124th 
P.V. 


flft 


i- 


LIBRARY 

OF  THE 

UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA. 

RECEIVED    BY    EXCHANGE 

I 

Class 


OCT  8  o  i 


a-Br^X. 


MONUMENT  OF  THE  124TH    PENNA.  VOLUNTEERS 

ANTIETAM,   MD. 
DEDICATED  SEPT.  17TH,  1904 


PHOTO.   BY  LOUIS  G.GREEN 


HISTORY 


T 


OK  THE 


One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fourth 
Regiment 

PENNSYLVANIA   VOLUNTEERS 


IN   THE 


WAR  OF  THE  REBELLION— 18(52-1863 


REGIMENTAL    RE-UNIONS 

1885-1906 


HISTORY  OF  MONUMENT 


COMPILED   BY 

ROBERT    M.    GREEN 

n 

APPROVED   BY 

THE    REGIMENTAL    COMMITTEE 


PHILADELPHIA  : 
WAKE   BROS.  COMPANY,  PRINTERS,  1010  ARCH  STREET 

1907 


To  perpetuate  the  memory  of  those 
who  enlisted  in  the  One  Hundred  and 
Twenty-fourth  Regiment,  Pennsyl 
vania  Volunteers,  in  The  War  of  the 
Rebellion. 

This  volume  is  fraternally  dedi 
cated  to  their  descendants  by  the 

HISTORIAN 


1 88241 


PREFACE 


To    THE    SURVIVORS    OF    THE    ONE    HUNDRED    AND    TWENTY- 
FOURTH   REGIMENT,  PENNSYLVANIA  VOLUNTEERS  : 

At  the  first  Reunion  of  the  Regimental  Association  in 
1885,  Chas.  D.  M.  Broomhall,  who  had  been  a  Sergeant  in 
Company  D,  was  appointed  Historian  of  the  Regiment  in 
anticipation  that  sufficient  records  could  be  collected  and 
published  as  would  transmit  to  coming  generations  a  memorial 
of  the  services  rendered  and  the  hardships  endured  by  the 
1 24th  Regiment,  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  during  the  War  of 
the  Rebellion. 

The  I  24th  was  recruited  under  the  proclamation  of  Presi 
dent  Lincoln  for  nine  months'  service  to  commence  in  August, 
1862,  and  end  in  May,  1863,  making  the  campaign  practically 

a  winter  one. 

• 
In    the    opinion    of   the    Committee   and    of   historians    in 

general,  there  was  no  more  critical  period  during  the  entire 
War  than  at  the  time  when  the  1 24th  was  recruited,  and  while 
it  is  true  that  the  losses  of  the  Regiment  in  battle  were  com 
paratively  few,  exposure,  disease  and  death  depleted  the  ranks 
from  925  to  less  than  600. 

The  death  of  Sergeant  Broomhall  took  place  before  he  had 
accomplished  the  work  assigned  him,  but  the  records  secured 
by  him  are  published  herein. 

At  the  Reunion  of  the  Regimental  Association  in  1904 
the  uncompleted  work  was  assigned  to  Comrade  Robert  M. 
Green,  Vice-President  of  the  Association,  and  he  has  gratui- 

9 


tously   given  much  time  and  labor  in  collecting  and  arranging 
the  details  contained  herein. 

It  is  sincerely  hoped  by  the  Committee  that  the  work  of 
Comrade  Green  will  be  appreciated  by  those  who  contributed 
toward  its  publication,  and  be  of  interest  to  the  descendants  of 
those  who  took  part  in  the  great  struggle  that  this  Nation 
might  be  preserved. 

Respectfully  submitted, 

COL.  Jos.  W.   HAWLEV, 
JOHN   PUGH, 
JOHN   D.    HOWARD, 
JOEL  HOLLINGSWORTH, 
HENRY   C.   WARBURTON, 

Committee. 


10 


CONTENTS 


PAGE 

The  I24th  :  How  Recruited 17 

Proclamations  of  Governor  Curtin 17,  191 

Records  of  Lieut.  C.  D.  M.  Broomhall 19 

Major  Haldeman's  Report  of  Battle  of  Antietam      33~37 

Welcome  Home  of  Regiment      49 

Records  from  Baths'  History 56 

Roster  of  i24th 61-81 

Diary  of  David  S.  Wilkinson no 

"      "  Edward  T.  Harlan 129 

"      "  Henry  J.  Stager 151 

Reminiscence  of  George  D.  Miller 105 

"  William  G.  Knowles 109 

"  David  S.  Wilkinson no 

"  Joel  Hollingsworth 112 

"              "  William  W.  Potts  .        117 

"             "  Chaplain  Jos.  S.  Evans 148 

"  Col.  Jos.  W.  Hawley 200 

Organization  of  the  Society  of  1 24th 206 

First  Annual  Reunion,  1885  :  West  Chester 207 

Second       "            "         1886:  Media 208 

Third          "            "         1887:  Antietam 212 

Fourth       "            "         1888:  Chester      214 

Fifth          "            "         1889:  Wilmington 215 

Sixth          "            "         1890:  Oxford 237 

Seventh     "             "         1891  :  Coatesville 242 

Eighth       "            "         1892  :  Elwyn 243 

Ninth         "            "         1893  :  West  Chester 247 

Tenth         "            "         1894 :  Antietam 249 

Eleventh    "            "         1895:  Valley  Forge 253 

Twelfth      "            "         1896:  Chancellorsville 259 

ir 


CONTENTS— Continued 


Thirteenth  Annual  Reunion,  1897  :    Paoli 266 

Fourteenth          "             "         1898:    Gettysburg      273 

Fifteenth                           "         1899:    Reading 277 

Sixteenth                          "         1900 :    Antietam 284 

Seventeenth        "             "         1901  :    Castle  Rocks  Park 289 

Eighteenth                        "         1902  :    Downingtown 295 

Nineteenth         "             "         1903:   Castle  Rocks  Park 303 

Twentieth           "                        1904:   Antietam 313 

Twenty-first        "             "         1905:    Brandywine  Springs  Park    .    .    .  320 

Twenty-second"             "         1906:    Lenape  Park 329 

Song,  "  The  Old  Coffee  Kettle  " 337 

Battlefield  Commission 342 

History  of  Monument 343 

Description  of  Monument 349 

Preparing  for  Excursion      352 

The  Trip  to  Antietam .  352 

Dedication  Program 353 

Prayer  of  Chaplain  Joseph  S.  Evans 354 

Address  of  Colonel  Joseph  W.  Hawley 355 

Address  of  Robert  M.  Green 356 

Program  of  General  Exercises 353,  366 

Comrades  at  Dedication 365 

Transfer  of  Monuments  to  Governor  Penny  packer  by  Col.  Hawley  .  367 

Gov.  Pennypacker's  Acceptance  and  Transfer  to  General  Oliver   .    .  367 

General  Oliver's  Acceptance 368 

Address  of  Rev.  J.  Richards  Boyle 373 

Address  of  General  W.  W.  Blackmar 387 

Address  of  General  Thos.  J.  Stewart    .    . 387 

Letter  from  John  W.  Marshall   .  388 


I  2 


ILLUSTRATIONS 


Monument  of  i24th Frontispiece 

Abraham   Lincoln 16 

Gen'l  Geo.  B.  McClellan 24 

Gen'l  Joseph  Hooker 28 

Gen'l  Jos.  K.  F.  Mansfield 35 

Flag  of  1 24th 50 

Col.  Hawley  and  Staff 82-86 

Members  of  I24th 87-102 

George  D.  Miller,  1861-1906 104-105 

Lieut.  Col.  Simon  Litzenberg 107 

Gen'l  George  Gordon  Meade 113 

William  W.  Potts,  1863-1906 116-117 

Edward  T.  Harlan 128 

Gen'l   John  W.  Geary 140 

Gen'l  Samuel  W.  Crawford 144 

Chaplain  Joseph  S.  Evaus 146 

Gen'l  Thos.  Leiper  Kane 160 

Andrew  G.  Curtin      191 

Col.  Joseph  W.  Hawley,  1863-1906 196-197 

Capt.  Norris  L.  Yarnall .    .  203 

William  P.  West '         245 

Section  of  Fence,  Antietam 248 

National  Cemetery,  Antietam 251 

Chancellor  House 260 

Capt.  Chas.  W.  Roberts 264 

Monument  at  Paoli 266 

13 


ILLUSTRATIONS— Continued 


David  W.  Eyre 270 

Trees  Shattered  by  Bullets 272 

Chas.  P.  Keech 280 

Lieut.  William  C.  Dickey 282 

Meditation 288 

Henry  C.  Warburton 293 

Col.  Benj.  Brooke,  1863-1900 301 

John  W.  Marshall 308 

Burnside  Bridge,  Antietam 310 

Jos.  R.  Brensinger 312 

Dunker  Church .  318-319 

John  L,.  Grim,  1861-1907 327 

Thomas  H.  Kay 335 

Gov.  Samuel  W.  Pennypacker 340 

Statue  of   1 24th  Monument 348 

Robert  M.  Green,   1862-1904 361 

Survivors  at  Dedication  of  Monument 364 

Rev.  J.  Richards  Boyle 372 


THE  124™  REGIMENT 
PENNSYLVANIA  VOLUNTEER  INFANTRY 


How  It  Was  Recruited — 
The  Character  of  the  Men  who  Composed  Its  Ranks 


President  Lincoln,  on  July  2.,  1862,  issued  a  call  for  three 
hundred  thousand  additional  troops  to  assist  in  bringing  the 
rebellion  to  a  close. 

On  July  7,  1862,  C.  P.  Buckingham,  Brigadier-General  and 
Assistant  Adjutant-General  of  the  United  States  Army,  sent  a 
dispatch  to  Governor  Andrew  G.  Curtin,  requesting  him  to  raise 
in  Pennsylvania,  as  soon  as  practicable,  twenty-one  new  regiments 
of  volunteer  infantry. 

In  response  to  the  call  of  the  President,  recruiting  became 
active  throughout  all  the  loyal  States,  and  on  July  2ist,  Governor 
Curtin  issued  a  proclamation  as  follows : — 


Pennsylvania  ss : 

In  the  name,  and  by  the  authority  of  the  State  of  Pennsylvania, 
Andrew  G.  Curtin,  Governor  of  the  said  Commonwealth. 
2  17 


A  PROCLAMATION. 

To  sustain  the  Government  in  times  of  common  peril  by  all  his 
energies,  his  means  and  his  life,  if  need  be,  is  the  duty  of  every 
loyal  citizen.  The  President  of  the  United  States  has  made  a 
requisition  on  Pennsylvania  for  twenty-one  new  regiments  and  the 
regiments  already  in  the  field  must  be  recruited.  Enlistments  will 
be  made  for  nine  months  in  the  new  regiments  and  for  twelve 
in  the  old.  The  existence  of  the  present  emergency  is  well  under 
stood.  I  call  on  the  inhabitants  of  the  counties,  cities,  boroughs 
and  townships  throughout  our  borders  to  meet  and  take  active 
measures  for  the  immediate  furnishing  of  the  quota  of  the  State. 
I  designate  below  the  number  of  companies  which  are  expected 
from  the  several  counties  in  the  State,  trusting  the  support  of 
her  honor  in  this  crisis,  as  it  may  be  safely  trusted,  to  the  loyalty, 
fidelity  and  valor  of  her  freemen. 

Given  under  my  hand  and  the  Great  Seal  of  the  State,  at 
Harrisburg,  this  2ist  day  of  July,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord,  one 
thousand  eight  hundred  and  sixty-two,  and  of  the  Commonwealth 
the  eighty-seventh. 

A.  G.  CURTIX. 
By  the  Governor : 

EiJ  SuFER, 

Secretary  of  the  Commonwealth. 


By  virtue  of  this  proclamation  three  companies  were  required 
of  Delaware  County  and  seven  of  Chester  County,  and  in  these 
two  counties,  the  I24th  Regiment  was  almost  entirely  recruited. 
The  enlistment  of  the  various  companies  required  about  two  \veeks 
time,  and  had  in  their  ranks  men  representative  of  all  walks  of 
life ;  manufacturers,  merchants,  professional  men,  mechanics, 
farmers,  day  laborers.  Possibly  no  other  regiment  ever  enlisted 
from  more  patriotic  motives  than  did  the  One  Hundred  and 
Twenty-fourth. 

A  few  of  the  men  had  been  in  the  three  months  service  in 
1 86 1,  some  had  belonged  to  local  military  organizations,  a  few 
had  drilled,  armed  with  wooden  imitations  of  guns,  but  the 
great  majority  of  its  members  and  all  of  its  officers,  with  one 
or  two  exceptions,  had  never  had  any  previous  military  experience. 

18 


HISTORY  OF  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY- 
FOURTH  PENNSYLVANIA  VOLUNTEERS. 

FROM  NOTES  OF  LIEUTENANT  C.  D.  M.  BROOM  HALL. 
Revised  by  Robert  M.   Green. 

Pursuant  to  a  call  for  troops  made  by  President  Lincoln,  July 
2,  1862,  and  by  proclamation  of  Governor  Curtin,  July  21,  1862, 
the  124th  Regiment,  Penna.  Volunteers,  was  recruited  to  serve 
for  a  period  of  nine  months. 

Companies  A,  C,  E,  F,  G,  I  and  K  were  recruited  in  Chester 
County,  and  Companies  D,  B  and  H  in  Delaware  County. 

They  rendezvoused  at  Camp  Curtin,  Harrisburg,  and  were 
mustered  into  the  United  States  service  from  the  8th  to  the 
1 2th  of  August,  1862. 

On  August  1 3th  the  men  received  their  uniforms,  and  on  the 
I4th  were  armed  with  Springfield  rifles  and  other  military  equip 
ments,  and  about  sunset,  under  command  of  Senior  Captain  Joseph 
W.  Hawley,  marched  to  the  railroad  station  and  engaged  in  clean 
ing  freight  and  cattle  cars,  which  had  been  assigned  for  trans 
portation  of  the  regiment.  At  i  A.  M.  of  the  I5th  it  started  over 
the  Northern  Central  Railroad  for  Baltimore,  arriving:  there  at 

o 

7  A.  M.  Upon  leaving  the  train,  forty  rounds  of  ammunition 
were  issued  to  each  man,  and  the  regiment  marched  through  the 
city  to  the  Washington  depot,  leaving  there  at  2  P.  M.,  and  arriv 
ing  at  Washington  at  6  P.  M.  Supper  was  furnished  at  a  place 
called  "Soldier's  Rest/'  the  meal  consisting  of  bread  and  black 
coffee;  a  hint  to  the  fastidious  boys  of  soldiers'  fare.  This  place 
was  near  the  Capitol,  and  the  regiment  remained  there  over  night. 
On  the  morning  of  the  i6th  Captain  Hawley  reported  to 
Brigadier-General  Silas  Casey,  and  received  orders  to  take  the 
regiment  to  camp  in  Virginia.  At  10  A.  A  I.  it  marched  through 
Washington  over  the  Long  Bridge  into  Virginia,  along  very 
dusty  roads  and  under  a  burning  hot  sun  to  a  place  about  five 
miles  from  Long  Bridge,  in  sight  of  Washington  and  Alexandria, 
and  partly  encompassed  by  Forts  Scott,  Richardson  and  Albany ; 
here  it  encamped  and  in  the  evening  Captain  Hawley  reported  to 
General  Whipple.  Guards  were  mounted  and  the  regular  duties 
of  camp  life  entered  upon. 

19 


The  next  day  (Sunday)  visitors  came  from  Pennsylvania  and 
Washington ;  and  the  boys  refreshed  themselves  by  bathing  in  the 
Potomac. 

The  regiment  was  organized  with  Joseph  W.  Hawley,  Colonel, 
to  date  from  August  i6th ;  W.  B.  Wacldell,  Lieutenant-Colonel ; 
who,  after  finding  the  regiment  incensed  over  not  having  one  of 
its  own  members  appointed,  declined,  and  Captain  Simon  Litzen- 
berg,  of  Company  B,  was  appointed  Lieutenant-Colonel ;  Lieuten 
ant  I.  Lawrence  Haldeman,  of  Company  D,  was  appointed  Major; 
Joseph  S.  Evans,  Chaplain;  William  T.  Haines,  Quartermaster; 
J.  Carpenter  Worth,  of  Company  C,  Adjutant  ;Chas.W.  Houghton, 
Surgeon,  and  Abram  Harshberger  and  Jos.  R.  Martin,  Assistant- 
Surgeons. 

The  regiment  was  assigned  to  a  provisional  brigade  under  the 
command  of  Brigadier-General  Silas  Casey;  and  on  the  i8th  of 
August  was  ordered  to  drill  four  hours  a  day. 

A  school  of  instruction  was  instituted  for  the  officers,  and 
Captain  Carroll  H.  Potts,  Assistant  Adjutant-General,  was  given 
charge.  From  the  i8th  to  the  2ist  the  men  were  instructed  in 
company  and  squad  drills,  and,  at  times,  an  effort  was  made  at 
regimental  drill. 

On  the  2 ist  camp  was  moved  westward  about  a  mile  to  a 
small  valley,  where  tents  were  pitched  and  drill  duties  performed 
until  the  24th,  when  it  was  moved  two  miles  and  a  half  south 
ward,  near  to  Fairfax  Theological  Seminary,  and  in  close  prox 
imity  to  Forts  Blenker,  Ward  and  Bernard ;  this  was  an  elevated 
position  and  commanded  a  view  of  Munson's  Hill  to  the  south 
west,  and  the  Capitol  at  Washington  to  the  north. 

At  this  camp  the  daily  routine  of  drill,  guard  mounting  and 
dress  parade  was  continued  with  variations  of  picket  duty  from 
fort  to  fort  at  night ;  the  monotony  was  relieved  by  the  debarka 
tion,  at  Alexandria,  of  a  part  of  General  McClellan's  army,  from 
Harrison's  Landing  on  the  James  River.  Lieutenant  Woodcock 
of  Company  B,  having  ridden  out  toward  Fairfax,  brought  word 
that  General  Pope's  army  had  fallen  back  towards  Washington. 

Company  and  regimental  drill  was  continued  and  on  the  morn 
ing  of  the  29th,  the  regiment,  except  the  camp  guard,  was  sent 
on  picket  duty  about  two  miles  out  on  the  road  to  Fairfax 
Court  House.  Heavy  firing  of  artillery  was  heard  from  10  A.  M.. 

20 


until  night  in  the  direction  of  Centreville  (being  the  second 
battle  of  Bull  Run).  It  was  renewed  early  on  the  morning  of 
the  3Oth,  and  continued  until  late  in  the  afternoon,  and  was  again 
renewed  near  sunset  for  about  half  an  hour.  The  last  firing  being 
the  action  at  Chantilly  where  the  nation  lost  one  of  its  most 
daring  and  courageous  generals — the  one-armed,  fearless  Kear 
ney.  The  weather  for  weeks  had  been  dry  and  the  roads  very  dusty  ; 
during  the  evening,  near  the  close  of  the  battle,  a  thunder  storm 
passed  over ;  the  noise  of  the  thunder  blending  with  the  reports  of 
the  artillery. 

On  August  3 ist  the  regiment  was  assigned  to  the  Fifth  Brigade 
of  General  Whipple's  division  in  the  reserve  army  corps.  The 
brigade  was  composed  of  the  io/th  X.  Y.,  35th  Mass.,  and  the 
1 24th  and  I25th  Penna. 

On  September  2d  camp  was  moved  a  mile  northward  to  a  hill 
side  close  to  Fort  Blenker.  It  was  reported  that  this  last  move 
was  made  so  that  the  I24th  might  reinforce  the  troops  in  the 
Fort  if  it  should  be  necessary.  Many  wagons  of  Pope's  army 
passed  towards  Alexandria.  Lieutenant-Colonel  Bell,  Colonel 
Hartranft,  of  the  5ist  Pennsylvania,  and  several  soldiers  of  the 
First  Regiment  of  Pennsylvania  Reserves  called  on  friends  in  the 
1 24th  and  gave  the  first  particulars  we  had  heard  of  the  late 
battle. 

The  next  day  all  was  conjecture  in  camp  as  to  the  result  of  the 
battle,  and  night  picketing  about  the  forts  was  continued  until 
the  morning  of  September  6th,  when  orders  were  received  to  pack 
up  all  superfluous  baggage  for  shipment  to  Washington,  so  as 
to  be  ready  to  march  in  the  afternoon. 

The  regiment  marched  at  six  o'clock  in  the  evening  under 
command  of  Colonel  Hawley,  in  the  direction  of  Arlington ;  en- 
route  for  the  field  of  Antietam,  as  it  afterward  developed. 

The  route  was  across  fields  (giving  the  roads  to  the  artillery 
and  wagons)  until  opposite  Washington,  where  the  road  was 
taken  that  lay  between  the  late  residence  of  Confederate  General 
Robert  E.  Lee  and  the  Potomac ;  we  crossed  the  river  on  the 
Aqueduct  bridge  to  Georgetown,  passing  through  there  about  10 
P.  M.  During  the  march  many  of  the  men  became  exhausted  and 
a  halt  was  made  at  2  A.  M. 

The  march  was  resumed  with  depleted  ranks  at  7  A.  M.  of 
the  7th  and  continued  until  n  A.  M.,  when  a  halt  was  called  and 

21 


arms  stacked  in  a  shady  grove,  until  3  P.  M. ;  it  was  then  again 
resumed  and  continued  until  5  P.  M.,  when  the  regiment  arrived 
at  Rockville  and  encamped  in  a  potato  patch  ;  dust  everywhere. 
The  regiment  was  now  without  a  quartermaster  and  the  rations 
were  running  short,  with  no  wagons  to  haul  supplies,  etc.  Tres 
passes  were  committed  upon  the  corn  and  potato  fields  and 
orchards,  and  bountifully  they  yielded. 

On  the  8th,  the  I24th,  together  with  the  loth  Maine,  5th 
Connecticut,  28th  X.  Y.,  46th,  I25th  and  I28th  Penna.,  were 
combined  and  formed  the  First  Brigade  of  the  First  Division, 
Second  Corps ;  the  Brigade  being  commanded  by  General  Samuel 
W.  Crawford  and  the  Division  by  General  A.  S.  Williams. 

On  the  Qth,  the  brigade  moved  at  I  P.  M.,  and  for  the  next 
three  days  was  kept  on  the  march  from  morning  till  night.  On 
<-he  1 2th,  the  Second  Corps  was  designated  the  Twelfth  Corps  and 
General  Joseph  King  Fenno  Mansfield  was  assigned  to  the  com 
mand. 

On  Saturday,  the  I3th,  about  noon,  the  brigade  arrived  at 
Frederick  City,  Mel.,  where  many  men  and  some  of  the  officers 
went  into  the  town  without  leave,  causing  vexation  and  indig 
nation  on  the  part  of  the  Colonel  and  other  officers  at  such  a 
wanton  breach  of  discipline. 

The  Confederates  had  vacated  Frederick  City  the  day  before  our 
arrival  and  our  regiment  encamped  on  ground  which  had  evi 
dently  been  occupied  by  the  troops  of  Confederate  General  D.  H. 
Hill  as  late  as  the  night  before. 

An  incident  occurred  here  worthy  of  notice.  Shortly  after  the 
arrival  of  our  division,  Private  B.  W.  Mitchell,  of  Company  F, 
27th  Indiana,  (which  formed  a  part  of  our  division)  picked  up 
a  piece  of  paper  wrapped  around  three  cigars.  Upon  examination 
it  was  found  to  be  a  special  order  of  Confederate  General  Robert 
E.  Lee.  Mitchell  and  Sergeant  Bloss,  of  the  same  company,  took 
it  to  Colonel  Colgrove,  of  their  regiment,  who  at  once  carried  it 
to  General  Williams'  headquarters,  and  delivered  it  to  Colonel  Pitt- 
man,  General  Williams'  Adjutant-General. 

The  order  was  signed  by  Colonel  Chilton,  General  Lee's  Adju 
tant-General,  and  the  signature  was  recognized  by  Colonel  Pitt- 
man,  who  had  served  with  Colonel  Chilton  at  Detroit,  Michigan, 
prior  to  the  war,  and  who  was  acquainted  with  his  hand-writing. 
The  order  was  as  follows : 


HEADQUARTERS  ARMY  OF  NORTHERN  VIRGINIA, 

September  9,  1862. 

The  army  will  resume  its  march  to-morrow,  taking  the  Hagerstown 
Road.  General  Jackson's  command  will  form  the  advance,  and,  after 
passing  Middletown  with  such  portion  as  he  may  select,  take  the  route 
towards  Sharpsburg,  cross  the  Potomac  at  the  most  convenient  point,  and 
by  Friday  night  take  possession  of  the  Baltimore  &  Ohio  Railroad,  capture 
such  of  the  enemy  as  may  be  at  Martinsburg,  and  intercept  such  as  may 
attempt  to  escape  from  Harper's  Ferry. 

General  Longstreet's  command  will  pursue  the  same  road  as  far  as 
Boonsborough,  where  it  will  halt  with  the  reserve  supply  and  baggage 
trains  of  the  army. 

General  McLaws,  with  his  own  division  and  that  of  General  R.  H. 
Anderson,  will  follow  General  Longstreet ;  on  reaching  Middletown,  he 
will  take  the  route  to  Harper's  Ferry,  and  by  Friday  morning  possess 
himself  of  the  Maryland  Heights  and  endeavor  to  capture  the  enemy  at 
Harper's  Fern-  and  vicinity. 

General  Walker,  with  his  division,  after  accomplishing  the  objects  in 
which  he  is  now  engaged,  will  cross  the  Potomac  at  Check's  Creek,  ascend 
the  right  bank  to  Lovettsville,  take  possession  of  Loudon  Heights,  if 
practicable,  by  Friday  morning,  Keys  Ford  on  his  left  and  the  road  between 
the  end  of  the  mountain  and  the  Potomac  on  his  right.  He  will,  as  far 
as  practicable,  cooperate  with  General  McLaws  and  General  Jackson 
intercepting  the  retreat  of  the  enemy. 

General  D.  H.  Hill's  Division  will  form  the  rear  guard  of  the  army 
pursuing  the  road  taken  by  the  main  body.  The  reserve  artillery,  ordnance 
and  supply  trains,  etc.,  will  precede  General  Hill. 

General  Stuart  will  detach  a  squadron  of  cavalry  to  accompany  the 
commands  of  Generals  Longstreet,  Jackson  and  McLaws,  and  with  the 
main  body  of  cavalry  will  cover  the  route  of  the  army  and  bring  up  all 
stragglers  that  may  have  been  left  behind. 

The  commands  of  Generals  Jackson,  McLaws  and  Walker,  after  accom 
plishing  the  objects  for  which  they  have  been  detached,  will  join  the  main 
body  of  the  army  at  Boonsborough  or  Hagerstown. 

Each  regiment  on  the  march  will  habitually  carry  its  axes  in  the 
regimental  ordnance  wagons,  for  the  use  of  the  men  at  their  encampments, 
to  procure  wood,  etc. 

By  command  of  GENERAL  R.  E.  LEE. 

R.  H.  CHILTON,  Adjutant-General. 

MAJOR-GENERAL  D.  H.  HILL,  Commanding  Division. 

The  finding  of  this  order  was  a  stroke  of  fortune  for  McClellan, 
rarely  allotted  to  a  general  in  supreme  command.  If  all  the 
spies  employed  by  the  commanders  in  the  Army  of  the  Potomac 
and  by  the  War  Department,  had  reported  at  headquarters  of 
the  army  at  that  hour,  they  could  not  have  furnished  the  infor- 

25 


mation  so  much  needed.  The  various  commands  of  General  Lee's 
army  had  been  executing  this  order  almost  four  days,  and  were 
beyond  immediate  recall. 

It  evidently  aroused  General  McClellan  to  the  greatest  exertion, 
for  a  portion  of  the  army  was  put  in  motion  that  afternoon,  and 
our  brigade  was  ordered  to  be  ready  to  march  at  daylight  of  the 
morning  of  the  I4th  (Sunday). 

The  brigade  was  aroused  at  3  A.  M.,  and  before  sunrise,  started 
on  the  march  through  Frederick,  (where,  it  was  said,  Confederate 
General  Jackson  attended  church  one  week  before  and  listened  to 
the  sermon  of  a  loyal  minister),  thence  out  the  turnpike  road, 
where  a  halt  was  made  until  about  10  A.  M.,  when  it  was  resumed 
in  a  roundabout  way  for  Turner's  Gap  in  the  Blue  Ridge. 

At  about  3  P.  M.  the  brigade  arrived  at  a  point  on  the  south 
side  of  a  high  hill  from  which  a  good  view  of  the  valley  below, 
across  to  Turner's  Gap,  four  or  five  miles  distant,  was  had,  and 
where  the  battle  of  South  Mountain  was  being  fought ;  the  firing 
of  the  artillery  being  plainly  visible  and  distinctly  heard.  The 
Union  forces  under  General  Miles  at  Harper's  Ferry  were 
engaged  at  the  same  time,  with  those  under  Confederate  General 
Jackson,  and  the  booming  of  those  one  or  two  heavy  guns  on  the 
side  of  Maryland  Heights  which  the  Union  forces  were  firing, 
could  be  heard  far  more  distinctly  than  the  field  guns  in  sight  at 
South  Mountain. 

The  march  was  continued,  but  owing  to  the  roughness  of  the 
route,  in  climbing  stone  walls,  rail  fences  and  crossing  ditches,  the 
brigade  made  but  slow  progress,  and  did  not  reach  the  foot  of  South 
Mountain  until  near  midnight,  and  then  in  a  disjointed  condition ; 
on  the  way,  ambulances  loaded  with  wounded  were  met,  and  one 
conveying  the  body  of  Major-General  Jesse  L.  Reno,  who  was 
killed  about  sunset,  while  watching  the  enemy  through  a  glass. 

Our  regiment  was  without  tents,  and  the  men  slept  on  the 
porches  of  houses,  and  wherever  a  convenient  place  could  be 
found.  By  7  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  I5th,  the  stragglers 
had  generally  come  in,  and  the  march  was  resumed  for  a  half 
mile,  a  halt  was  made  until  near  noon,  then  the  division  moved 
through  the  mountain  gap,  arriving  at  Boonsborough  about  3 
o'clock.  The  enemy  had  retreated  from  this  place  in  the  morning, 
after  a  skirmish  between  the  Union  Cavalry  and  Hill's  rear  guard. 
General  McClellan  passed  the  division  about  2  o'clock  in  the  after- 

26 


noon,  and  he  was  enthusiastically  cheered  by  "both  officers  and 
men. 

The  march  was  continued  during  the  afternoon,  and  on  the  way 
many  Confederate  stragglers  were  captured  and  some  voluntarily 
surrendered. 

On  the  morning  of  the  i6th,  the  entire  Twelfth  Corps  moved 
forward,  about  two  miles,  to  near  Antietam  Creek;  (where  the 
enemy  was  disputing  the  approaches  to  that  stream,  and  con 
siderable  cannon  firing  was  being  done  on  both  sides)  \vhere  it 
halted  and  stacked  arms  under  the  protection  of  a  hill  that 
afforded  a  safe  and  comfortable  bivouac.  Shells  from  the  enemy's 
batteries  \vere  bursting  two  hundred  feet  in  the  air. 

In  the  evening  cattle  were  slaughtered  and  fresh  beef  dis 
tributed,  and  soon  after  the  men  laid  down,  General  Mansfield 
received  orders  to  cross  Antietam  Creek  to  the  support  of  General 
Hooker  on  the  extreme  right  of  the  Union  Army. 

Williams'  Division  crossed  the  creek  by  the  bridge  at  Keedys- 
ville.  This  movement  took  until  near  midnight.  The  I24th 
bivouaced  near  the  Smoketown  road ;  arms  were  stacked  and  the 
men  lay  in  a  plowed  field  the  remainder  of  the  night,  about  a  half 
ir.ile  from  the  enemy's  pickets.  During  the  latter  part  of  the 
night  an  occasional  shot  was  heard  and  shortly  before  five  o'clock 
the  pickets  of  the  Pennsylvania  Reserves  (a  half  mile  to  the  left 
and  front  of  our  regiment)  commenced  a  scattering  fire  with  the 
enemy,  and  in  five  minutes  this  had  increased  to  a  brisk  skirmish, 
and  in  less  than  as  many  minutes  more  had  become  a  wild  rattle 
of  musketry,  then  a  single  cannon  was  fired ;  a  shell  went  scream 
ing  through  the  air,  followed  by  the  fire  of  a  dozen  pieces  of 
artillery,  and  the  great  battle  of  Antietam  was  opened. 

The  proximity  of  Hooker's  Corps  (the  Penna.  Reserves) 
and  of  Jackson's  Confederate  Corps,  was  the  cause  of  the  sudden 
outburst  of  musketry  fire,  which  in  a  few  minutes  had  spread  along 
the  right  of  our  army  for  nearly  half  a  mile. 

As  soon  as  the  men  of  the  I24th  heard  the  firing,  each  one  sprang 
to  his  feet,  rolled  up  his  blanket,  seized  his  gun  and  awaited  com 
mand. 

The  whole  brigade  was  in  close  proximity.  The  I24th  was 
assigned  the  extreme  right  of  the  brigade,  which  was  on  the 
right  of  the  division  and  the  right  of  the  corps. 

The  regiment  moved  at  about  5  A.   M.  to  the  right,  first  by 

29 


column,  for  a  quarter  of  a  mile,  then  by  double  column  of  com 
pany  front  forward,  about  50  yards,  and  halted  for  nearly  an 
hour.  A  deployment  was  made  which  brought  one  company  to 
the  west  of  the  Hagerstown  turnpike  at  the  northern  line  of  Mil 
ler's  farm.  Before  advancing  from  this  point,  General  Mansfield 
rode  over  to  where  the  regiment  was  in  line,  and  held  a  short 
interview  with  General  Crawford,  both  looking  earnestly  south 
eastward,  where  the  firing  was  heavy,  and  General  Mansfield  said 
to  General  Crawford,  ''General,  hold  this  woods,  we  are  hard 
pressed  in  the  centre." 

The  halt  at  this  place  was  not  over  ten  minutes.  The  regiment 
advanced  parallel  with  the  pike,  southward.  The  left  companies 
and  the  middle  companies  could  not  see  the  right  of  the  regiment 
during  this  forward  movement  until  Miller's  spring-house  was 
reached,  on  account  of  the  land  sloping  abruptly  westward.  This 
forward  movement  was  made  quickly  for  about  500  yards,  past 
Miller's  house,  to  near  the  north  side  of  the  cornfield  to  a  gutter 
or  wash. 

A  halt  was  made  and  knapsacks  and  blankets  were  thrown  off 
for  the  purpose  of  enabling  the  men  to  make  a  charge  into  the 
cornfield,  which  was  occupied  by  Confederate  General  Hood's 
command  of  Jackson's  Corps.  Batteries  of  artillery  had  been 
brought  to  the  elevated  ground  east  of  Miller's  house,  in  our 
left  rear.  The  27th  Indiana,  2cl  Massachusetts,  3d  Wisconsin, 
(part  of  the  Third  Brigade),  came  up  in  our  rear  to  the  support 
of  our  regiment  and  the  artillery,  and  while  the  I24th  was  tearing 
down  the  fence  along  the  cornfield,  these  regiments,  being  on 
the  higher  ground,  opened  a  rapid  fire  over  the  left  of  the  I24th 
into  the  enemy  in  the  cornfield. 

At  this  time  the  46th  Penna.  joined  the  left  of  the  I24th.  As 
Colonel  Knipe  says,  his  regiment  (46th)  came  through  the  woods, 
advanced  as  far  as  the  cornfield  fence  and  would  have  held  the 
position  "had  it  not  been  for  the.  27th  Indiana  forming  in  our 
rear  and  exposing  us  from  a  quarter  unexpected,"  when  he 
ordered  his  regiment  to  fall  back  into  the  woods.  Excepting  this 
incident,  the  I24th  was  detached  from  the  rest  of  the  brigade,  and 
in  advance  of  it. 

In  relation  to  this  matter,  General  Crawford  says  :  "During 
this  movement"  (up  to  6.30  A.  M.)  "  the  i24th  Penna.  was 
detached  from  my  brigade  by  some  superior  order  unknown  to 


me,  and  sent  in  advance  through  the  woods  on  our  right  to  Miller's 
farm,  to  hold  that  position." 

\Yhile  the  cornfield  fence  was  being-  torn  down,  a  Confederate 
battery  which  had  just  been  driven  away  from  the  Miller  barn 
to  a  high  ridge  of  ground  on  our  right  flank,  opened  fire  on  the 
regiment. 

Company  A  passed  to  the  west  of  the  barn  and  halted,  and 
the  balance  of  the  regiment  advanced  a  short  distance  into  the 
corn,  where,  at  8.45  A.  M..  Colonel  Hawley  was  wounded  and 
carried  from  the  field,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Litzenberg  succeeded 
to  the  command,  and  the  advance  was  continued  about  fifty  yards 
into  the  corn,  and  another  halt  was  made ;  then  the  right 
of  the  regiment  was  moved  back  a  short  distance  so  as  to  face 
southwest  and  Companies  F  and  D  were  shifted  by  the  right 
flank  across  to  the  west  side  of  the  turnpike  into  a  clover  field 
adjoining  the  barn,  near  to  which  were  some  wheat  stacks.  Com 
panies  A,  F  and  D,  wrere  thus  separated  from  the  balance  of  the 
regiment. 

The  other  seven  companies  advanced  through  the  cornfield  to 
a  grass  field  near  the  Dunker  Church,  and  in  holding  this  position 
they  assisted  in  repelling  the  advance  attempted  by  the  enemy 
from  the  West  Woods.  (It  was  about  this  time  that  General 
McClellan  came  to  that  part  of  the  battlefield,  and  doubtless  saw 
the  three  companies  in  the  cloverfield,  by  the  West  Woods,  for  he 
says  in  his  report  of  the  battle:  "The  I24th  Penna.  Volunteers 
were  pushed  across  the  turnpike  into  the  woods  beyond  J.  Miller's 
home  with  orders  to  hold  the  position  as  long  as  possible.") 

While  thus  engaged  a  brigade  of  Union  troops  charged  into 
the  WTest  Woods  and  were  repulsed  and  driven  back  across  the 
turnpike  in  such  confusion,  over  and  through  the  seven  com 
panies,  that  they  were  carried  away  in  the  rush  to  the  East 
Woods.  Company  H  and  Company  I  succeeded  in  extricating 
themselves  and  retired  behind  the  batteries  north  of  the  corn 
field  and  soon  after  advanced  into  the  cornfield  and  maintained 
that  position  until  late  in  the  afternoon. 

The  three  companies,  A,  D  and  F,  on  the  west  side  of  the  turn 
pike,  advanced  about  a  hundred  yards  when  they  became  exposed 
to  the  enemy  on  the  right  as  well  as  in  the  right  front.  They  were 
ordered  to  lie  down  and  return  the  fire  as  fast  as  possible.  The 
enemy  had  a  great  advantage  of  position  ;  clouds  obscured  the 


sky ;  the  smoke  hung  near  the  ground,  and  the  gloom  in  the  woods 
was  so  increased  that  it  was  difficult  to  see  one  of  the  enemy  even 
when  he  stepped  from  cover,  while  the  Union  troops  could  be 
distinctly  seen  on  their  elevation  against  the  horizon. 

Perceiving  they  were  fighting  at  a  great  disadvantage,  and  not 
receiving  orders  to  advance,  the  men  fell  back  to  the  turnpike  and 
wheat  stacks,  where  the  crest  of  the  hill  and  the  slight  bank  along 
the  side  of  the  turnpike  afforded  some  protection,  and  from  this 
point  they  fired  when  any  of  the  enemy  appeared  in  sight. 

While  the  three  companies  were  thus  engaged,  a  brigade  of 
Union  troops  crossed  the  turnpike  to  charge  into  the  \voods 
and  they  called  on  some  of  our  men  to  join  them.  William  G. 
Davidson  and  Elias  Eckfeldt,  of  Company  D,  did  so,  and  formed  a 
file  on  one  of  the  ranks. 

The  brigade  charged  through  the  woods  and  drove  the  Con 
federates  out,  but  at  the  west  side  they  \vere  met  by  fresh  lines  of 
the  enemy  and  were  in  turn  driven  back  to  the  pike. 

After  this  repulse,  Captain  Yarnall  marched  his  company  (D) 
along  the  north  side  of  the  cornfield  to  a  point  opposite  the 
batteries,  and  entering  the  corn  continued  southward  for  a  hun 
dred  yards  or  more,  and  thence  eastward  to  the  edge  of  the  East 
Wood,  where  he  met  General  Williams  (who  had  succeeded  to 
the  command  on  the  death  of  General  Mansfield),  who  ordered 
him  to  take  charge  of  the  scattered  troops  and  form  a  line  in  the 
edge  of  the  woods  opposite  the  open  fields  in  front  of  the  Dunker 
Church,  to  resist  an  anticipated  attack  from  that  quarter.  These 
other  troops  consisted  principally  of  members  of  the  regiment, 
that  had  become  separated  from  the  seven  companies  that 
previously  occupied  the  same  ground. 

The  line  thus  formed  also  engaged  in  supporting  a  battery  in 
the  edge  of  this  field  fronting  the  church. 

Bloody  Lane  was  but  a  short  distance  south  of  this  position,  and 
desperate  fighting  was  being  done  there ;  this  created  anxiety 
among  our  men  for  fear  the  Confederates  would  come  up  the 
steep  hill  on  the  south  of  the  woods  and  flank  our  position ;  this 
did  not  occur,  however,  and  the  position  was  held  until  relieved 
and  the  regiment  re-joined. 

In  this  charge,  Wm.  G.  Davidson  was  shot  through  the  thigh, 
and  Elias  Eckfeldt  was  never  again  heard  of  and  his  resting  place 
remains  unknown. 

32 


In  the  afternoon  in  the  East  Woods,  and  at  evening  the  entire 
regiment  was  relieved  and  withdrawn  to  the  northern  end  of  the 
same  woods. 

As  the  sun  sank  behind  the  western  hills  a  few  shells  were 
thrown  from  a  battery  above  Miller's  house  and  eliciting  no  reply, 
all  firing  ceased ;  the  battle  of  Antietam  was  ended,  and  thousands 
of  brave  men  had  been  sacrificed  upon  the  Altar  of  their  Country, 
the  Twelfth  Corps  having  contributed  its  Commander  (General 
Mansfield)  and  1,745  of  its  members. 

The  morning  after  the  battle  was  clear  and  the  troops  were 
early  astir.  Excepting  a  flag  of  truce  from  the  enemy,  for  the 
purpose  of  burying  the  dead,  all  remained  quiet.  By  the  morning 
of  the  i Qth  it  was  discovered  that  the  enemy  had  retreated.  The 
brigade,  now  under  command  of  General  Knipe,  was  moved  south- 
westward,  along  the  East  Woods,  and  remained  there  until  4 
P.  M.,  when  the  entire  division,  under  command  of  General  Wil 
liams,  was  ordered  to  march,  and,  starting  at  once,  they  passed 
through  Sharpsburg  about  sunset,  crossed  Antietam  Creek  on 
the  Burnside  bridge  and  continued  until  midnight. 

Resumed  march  at  seven  on  morning  of  2Oth,  and  arrived  on 
the  mountain  overlooking  Harper's  Ferry  about  noon.  Finding 
no  enemy,  it  moved  down  the  precipitous  side  of  the  mountain 
into  Pleasant  Valley  and  encamped.  The  brigade  remained  here 
cleaning  arms,  etc.,  until  the  morning  of  the  23d,  when  it  was  moved 
up  on  the  west  side  of  the  mountain,  and  the  I24th  encamped  on 
Bolivar  Heights,  800  feet  above  the  river,  overlooking  Harper's 
Ferry,  and  having  a  beautiful  view  of  Shenandoah  Valley. 

While  encamped  here,  Major  Haldeman,  of  the  I24th,  made 
report  of  the  regiment's  participation  in  the  battle  of  Antietam,  as 
follows : 

Headquarters  I24th  Regiment  Pennsylvania  Volunteers, 

Maryland  Heights,  September  25,  1862. 
DEAR  SIR: 

I  would  beg  leave  to  report  that  on  the  morning  of  the  I7th  inst.  the 
I24th  Regt.  Penna.  Vols.,  commanded  by  Col.  Joseph  W.  Hawley,  was 
ordered  to  the  front  about  7  o'clock.  On  reaching  the  extreme  edge  of 
the  wood  on  the  north  of  the  cornfield,  our  line  was  formed  and  stationed 
in  a  position  behind  the  fence.  We  were  then  ordered  to  advance,  a 
portion  of  our  right  extending  across  the  turnpike  road  and  beyond  the 
grain  stacks.  We  were  led  in  line  into  the  cornfield  about  20  paces,  and 

3  33 


GENERAL  MANSFIELD. 

Joseph  King  Fenno  Mansfield  was  born  in  New  Haven,  Con 
necticut,  December  22cl,  1803.  At  the  age  of  fourteen,  entered 
the  Military  Academy  at  West  Point  and  graduated  in  1822. 
For  two  years  following  graduation,  was  an  assistant  to  the 
Board  of  Engineers.  In  1832  was  promoted  to  First  Lieutenant, 
and  in  1838,  to  Captain. 

Served  in  Mexican  War  under  General  Taylor  and  was 
brevetted  Major  in  1846  for  distinguished  services  in  defence  of 
Fort  Brown,  Texas.  In  September  of  same  year  was  brevetted 
Lieutenant-Colonel  for  gallant  conduct  in  battle  of  Monterey, 
where  he  received  seven  wounds. 

In  1847,  was  brevetted  Colonel  for  meritorious  services  at 
Buena  Vista.  In  1853,  was  appointed  Inspector-General  of 
United  States  Army  with  rank  of  Colonel.  In  May,  1861,  was 
commissioned  Brigadier-General  and  given  command  of  Depart 
ment  of  Washington. 

On  May  loth,  commanded  a  division  in  attack  on  Norfolk,  and, 
after  the  capture  of  the  place,  was  assigned  to  command  of  Suf 
folk,  Virginia. 

After  the  second  battle  of  Bull  Run,  was  appointed  on  a  board 
of  inquiry  at  Washington,  but,  becoming  impatient  for  active 
duty,  was  assigned  to  the  command  of  Twelfth  Corps  (of  which 
the  I24th  formed  a  part),  assuming  the  duties  of  command  on 
September  I5th,  1863;  was  wounded  on  morning  of  the  I7th,  at 
Antietam,  and  died  at  I  P.  M.  of  same  day.  The  body  was  car 
ried  that  afternoon  to  Monocacy  Junction  in  one  of  the  ambu 
lances  of  the  1 24th  Regiment. 


34 


BRIGADIER-GENERAL    JOSEPH    KING    FENNO    MANSFIELD. 


ordered  to  halt,  as  we  could  not  distinguish  our  own  troops.  It  was  here 
our  colonel  was  wounded.  We  were  then  ordered  to  fall  back  to  the  edge 
of  the  cornfield  and  take  position  behind  the  fence,  which  was  done  in 
good  order.  We  were  again  ordered  to  advance,  when  the  right,  advancing 
about  100  yards,  received  a  raking  fire  from  the  enemy  in  the  West  Woods, 
which  was  responded  to  by  repeated  volleys  from  our  men,  but  the  fire 
from  our  left  and  the  battery  of  the  enemy  on  the  right  compelled  us  to 
again  fall  back  to  the  stacks.  A  battery  now  planted  on  the  hill  between 
the  East  Woods  and  the  cornfield  and  opposite  the  stacks;  this  portion 
of  our  right  was  ordered  to  its  support ;  the  balance  of  the  regiment 
followed  up  the  advance  through  the  cornfield,  making  many  successful 
charges  upon  the  enemy,  until  they  were  also  ordered  back  to  the  support 
of  the  batteries  at  the  west  side  and  near  the  southwest  corner  of  the  East 
Woods.  The  enemy's  batteries  were  being  silenced  at  this  point;  our 
regiment  was  ordered,  about  5  P.  M.,  to  the  rear  of  General  Hancock,  with 
instructions  to  hold  ourselves  in  readiness  to  support  the  batteries  on  the 
right.  Receivng  no  further  orders,  we  remained  in  our  positions  with  the 
1 25th  Penna.  Vols.  during  the  night.  I  am, 

Yours    very    respectfully, 

I.  L.  HALDEMAN. 
Major  1 24th  Penna.  Vols. 

COL.  J.  F.  KNIPE, 

Commanding  First  Brigade,  First  Division,  Twelfth  Corps. 

The  regiment  remained  on  duty  at  Bolivar  Heights  until  the 
28th  (Sunday),  when,  after  divine  service,  conducted  by  Captain 
Yarnall,  it  was  marched  to  Pleasant  Valley  again,  and  went  into 
camp  at  foot  of  the  mountain  on  very  rough,  stony  ground. 

Many  of  the  regiment  were  on  the  sick  list,  and  it  remained  at 
this  place  until  October  2d,  when  it  was  again  marched  back  over 
the  same  mountain  to  a  valley  on  the  west  side  of  Maryland 
Heights,  and  there  went  into  camp.  The  next  day,  the  regiment 
received  their  tents  and  knapsacks  from  which  they  had  been 
separated  since  September  6th,  in  the  meantime  having  been 
without  shelter.  Many  friends  visited  the  regiment  at  this  time, 
among  them  the  venerable  Judge  Haines,  of  West  Chester ;  father 
of  Lieutenant  Philip  D.  Haines,  of  Company  G. 

From  the  third  to  the  twelfth  of  October  the  regiment  was 
kept  busy  clearing  camp  and  policing  streets.  On  the  I2th,  Com 
pany  D,  while  on  picket  on  Maryland  Heights,  witnessed  the 
artillery  firing  at  Edwards  Ferry,  where  the  Confederate  General 
J.  E.  B.  Stuart  was  crossing  with  his  cavalry  into  Virginia, 
after  having  made  a  successful  raid  into  Maryland. 

37 


On  October  I3th  Colonel  Samuel  B.  Thomas,  in  the  name 
of  Governor  Curtin,  presented  the  I24th  with  the  regimental  flag 
furnished  by  the  State.  Major  Haldeman  received  it  on  behalf 
of  the  regiment. 

At  this  time  balloon  ascensions  were  frequent  in  the  Shenandoah 
Valley.  Several  of  the  men  died  while  the  regiment  remained 
at  this  camp.  Among  them  was  James  B.  Aitken  and  John 
M.  Pyle,  of  Company  D,  and  Charles  T.  Worrall,  of  Company  I. 

On  October  i8th  camp  was  moved  a  half  mile  northward  and 
nothing  of  importance  occurred  until  the  24th,  \vhen  the  regi 
ment  \vas  in  line  a  half  day  for  general  inspection  and  was 
reviewed  by  Generals  Slocum  and  Geary. 

On  the  28th,  after  funeral  services  at  the  grave  of  John  M.  Pyle, 
at  the  foot  of  the  mountain,  the  regiment  again  marched  over 
Maryland  Heights  to  Pleasant  Valley,  and  with  the  I25th  Penna., 
1 23d  N.  Y.  and  the  2Oth  Connecticut,  formed  a  brigade  under  the 
command  of  Brigadier-General  Thomas  Leiper  Kane. 

On  the  afternoon  of  3Oth  the  brigade  crossed  the  Potomac, 
passed  through  the  old  U.  S.  Armory  Yard,  by  John  Brown's 
Fort,  through  Harper's  Ferry,  across  the  Shenandoah,  down  the 
river  road,  and  out  into  London  Valley  and  encamped,  and  the 
next  day  were  mustered  for  pay. 

On  Sunday,  November  2(1,  a  detachment  from  the  regiment, 
in  command  of  Lieutenant  Strickland,  was  sent  on  a  scout  along 
the  mountain,  and  met  twenty  of  the  enemy's  cavalry,  upon  whom 
they  fired,  and  whom  they  routed  in  confusion. 

As  the  enemy  passed  over  a  distant  hill  it  was  noticed  that  two 
horses  were  without  riders. 

About  9  o'clock  in  the  evening  the  whole  camp  was  thrown  into 
wild  excitement  by  a  guard,  at  a  farm-house  a  mile  away,  shoot 
ing  at  a  night  prowler,  and  a  picket  at  a  bridge  a  half  mile  from 
camp,  increased  the  alarm  by  firing  his  piece,  this  was  taken  up 
by  the  camp  guards,  and  a  general  fire  from  them  ran  around  the 
camp. 

All  was  confusion  in  a  minute,  men  fell  over  one  another  in 
their  haste  to  get  out  of  their  tents.  Sergeants  were  shouting 
"Company  into  line!"  All  believed  the  camp  was  attacked  by  a 
guerilla  band.  As  soon  as  quiet  was  restored,  a  detachment  of 
twenty  men  from  Company  D  was  sent  along  the  mountain  road 
to  ascertain  the  cause  of  the  alarm,  but  failed  to  learn  anything. 

38 


On  the  7th  the  weather  became  very  cold — snowed  all  day,  from 
9  A.  M.  General  McClellan  was  relieved  from  command  and 
General  Burnside  appointed  Commander  of  the  Army  of  the 
Potomac. 

On  the  8th  two  Confederates  were  taken  on  the  picket  line  and 
sent  to  brigade  headquarters.  In  the  evening  a  detail  of  one 
hundred  men  was  made  from  the  regiment  and  placed  under  com 
mand  of  Capt.  Yarnall,  and  with  two  pieces  of  artillery  and  a  squad 
of  cavalry,  all  under  command  of  General  Kane,  went  up  the 
valley  (London)  seven  or  eight  miles,  to  destroy,  or  bring  in, 
some  stores  lately  left  there  by  Union  troops.  They  left  camp 
at  dark  and  returned  at  four  in  the  morning,  having  accomplished 
their  mission.  On  the  I5th,  thirteen  men  from  each  company  were 
detailed  to  assist  in  building  forts  on  Maryland  Heights. 

[XoTE: — The  following  letter,  written  by  a  member  of  the 
1 24th,  is  copied  from  a  Philadelphia  paper.] 

LOUDOX  VALLEY,  December  15,  1862. 

As  yon  are  probably  aware,  the  brigade  under  command  of  General 
Thomas  L.  Kane,  of  your  city,  moved  southward  on  Thursday  last, 
leaving  as  a  garrison  only  the  sick  and  a  small  ''camp  guard."  Of  this, 
the  rebels  were  undoubtedly  informed,  and  taking  advantage  of  this  state 
of  affairs,  they  sent  a  detachment  of  White's  Cavalry  to  commit  depreda 
tions  upon  and  arrest  stragglers  from  the  abandoned  camps.  On  the 
morning  of  the  I4th,  four  guards  who  were  guarding  a  number  of  tents 
in  an  open  field  about  one-half  mile  from  the  camp,  were  surprised  and 
captured  by  a  squad  of  the  cavalry  (probably  12  in  number),  and  the 
Rebels  were  firing  the  tents  when  David  F.  Houston,  of  Co.  F,  and  six 
others  from  the  I2_u;h  Penna.  Vols.  marched  to  the  relief  of  the  guards, 
and  to  save  the  property.  After  a  few  rounds  without  damage  on  either 
side,  the  Rebels  withdrew,  leaving  one  of  their  captives  to  our  brave 
command.  The  bravery  displayed  by  Comrade  Houston  and  his  men  is 
worthy  of  the  highest  praise. 

Sunday,  :6th.     Inspection.     Divine  service,  conducted  by  Capt.  Yarnall. 

November  I7th.  About  eleven  o'clock  at  night  one  of  the  pickets  on 
the  mountain  was  wounded  by  bushwhackers  who  infested  that  region, 
and  the  regiment  was  called  out  and  marched  to  the  top  of  London 
Mountain  in  the  midst  of  a  violent  rain,  and  stationed  there  until  the  20th. 

On  the  2Qth,  Colonel  Hawley  returned  and  assumed  command  of  the 
regiment.  The  boys  gave  him  a  hearty  reception,  this  being  the  first  time 
they  had  seen  him  since  he  was  wounded,  at  the  Battle  of  Antietam  (Sep 
tember  1 7th).  The  first  week  of  December  was  so  cold  that  the  camp 
guards  had  to  be  relieved  every  hour  during  some  of  the  nights. 

From   the   2Oth    of    November    until    the    loth    of    December,    when    the 

39 


weather  permitted,  the  men  were  kept  at  company,  regimental  and  brigade 
drill,  and  clearing  of  ground  for  a  fortified  camp  at  the  foot  of  Loudon 
Mountain.  After  much  timber  had  been  cut  and  dragged  down  the 
mountain,  the  whole  Twelfth  Corps  received  orders  to  move,  on  the  morning 
of  the  loth,  with  three  days'  rations.  Owing  to  other  troops  having  the 
road,  our  brigade  moved  out  and  waited  in  the  fields  until  3.30  in  the 
afternoon,  when  General  Kane  ordered  them  back  into  camp  to  spend  the 
night. 

On  the  nth  of  December  the  brigade  moved,  at  7  A.  M.,  up  Loudon 
Valley,  through  the  mountain  gap  at  Hillsborough  to  Wheatland,  and  on 
the  I2th  continued  through  Leesburg,  crossing  Goose  Creek;  the  next  day 
the  march  took  them  past  Gum  Spring,  and  at  n  A.  M.  artillery  firing  was 
heard  at  Fredericksburg;  encampment  was  made  for  the  night  on  the 
Fairfax  and  Little  River  Turnpike. 

On  the  I4th  of  December  the  march  led  past  Chantilly,  through  Fairfax 
Court  House,  past  Fairfax  Station,  and,  crossing  the  Occoquan,  continued 
in  the  direction  of  Stafford  Court  House.  At  noon  of  the  i6th  we  were 
ordered  to  return  to  Fairfax  Station,  reaching  there  on  the  evening  of  the 
I7th  after  a  very  fatiguing  march  since  4  o'clock  in  the  morning.  On  the 
20th,  the  men  each  received  $27  bounty. 

Camp  was  made  in  a  pine  grove  of  young  timber,  and  shelter  tents  were 
pitched  over  log  basements.  Dress  parades  and  brigade  drill  were  the 
principal  diversions  until  the  27th,  when  J.  E.  B.  Stuart,  the  Confederate 
cavalry  leader,  made  a  raid  around  the  Potomac,  causing  great  excitement. 
The  regiment  was  ordered  to  be  ready  to  march  the  next  morning,  and 
the  brigade  started  on  the  28th  in  the  direction  of  Dumfries.  After 
crossing  Occoquan  Creek,  a  halt  was  made,  and  after  dark  Co.  D  was 
detached  from  the  regiment  and  deployed  as  skirmishers. 

[NoTE. — The  historian  herewith  inserts  a  copy  of  a  letter  re 
ceived  by  him  while  in  the  hospital,  Newark,  New  Jersey.] 

CAMP  near  FAIRFAX  STATION,  December  29,  1862. 
ESTEEMED  FRIEND  : 

Yours  of  the  5th  came  duly  to  hand ;  I  was  surprised  yet  pleased  to  hear 
from  you.  I  have  inquired  in  almost  every  letter  I  have  written  home 
about  you.  Since  we  last  met,  I  have  seen  a  good  deal  of  hardship.  I  do 
not  mean  to  complain — it  is  what  I  expected.  I  have  not  had  it  as  hard 
as  some  of  the  rest.  My  duties  as  commissary-sergeant  entitle  me  to  a 
great  many  privileges  ;  I  have  never  carried  a  knapsack,  and  now  I  have 
a  horse  to  ride. 

When  we  left  you  delirious  under  the  trees  at  Fort  Blenker,  on  Septem 
ber  5th,  we  marched  steadily  until  about  the  2Oth.  During  that  time,  as 
you  know,  the  Battle  of  Antietam  was  fought.  Our  regiment  was  in  it. 
Zebley,  of  our  company,  was  killed,  and  Colonel  Hawley  and  Sergeant 
Knowles  were  wounded. 

We  were  in  the  vicinity  of  Harper's  Ferry  from  September  2Oth  until 
December  loth.  It  is  a  pretty  place  to  be,  but  not  so  nice  as  near  Washing- 

40 


ton.  We  fully  expected  to  stay  at  Harper's  Ferry  all  winter  and  had  our 
winter  quarters  partly  erected,  but  a  soldier  never  knows  where  he  will 
be  the  next  hour.  We  were  ordered  to  march  and  to  take  nothing  but 
our  knapsacks.  Before  we  arrived  here,  many  of  the  boys  threw  everything 
away  except  an  overcoat,  woolen  and  gum  blanket. 

We  have  a  new  quartermaster — George  Malin ;  he  was  a  private  in  Co. 
A.  Quartermaster  Haines  never  was  with  us  after  we  left  Fort  Blenker. 
I  have  spoken  to  Captain  Barton  about  your  descriptive  list. 

A  few  days  ago  we  received  our  $25  bounty  and  $2  premium,  but  we 
have  not  received  any  pay  up  to  this  time.  Our  regiment  now  numbers 
651  men.  When  we  left  you  at  Fort  Blenker  it  numbered  925. 

Our  regiment  is  very  much  changed  since  you  saw  it ;  Captain  Litzenberg 
is  our  lieutenant-colonel.  We  have  a  new  surgeon,  Houghton  by  name. 
Surgeon  Harshberger  was  promoted,  and  joined  the  I76th  Penna.  We 
are  in  the  Second  Brigade  (General  Kane),  First  Division  (General 
Williams),  Twelfth  Corps  (General  Slocum). 

I  must  close,  as  I  am  getting  cold  ;  the  fire  has  gone  out.  I  tent  with 
the  quartermaster.  Jake  Rice  is  my  assistant.  I  remain, 

Your  true  friend, 

WM.  P.  WEST. 

1 2 4th  Rcgt.  P.  V. 
To  ROBERT  M.  GREEN, 

Centre  Street  Hospital, 
Newark,  N.  J. 

On  December  29th,  the  brigade  returned  to  camp  and  learned 
that  part  of  the  enemy's  forces  had  passed  in  sight  of  the  camp 
of  the  1 24th,  the  day  before. 

Regimental  and  brigade  reviews  were  the  principal  features 
for  several  days,  and  on  January  8th,  at  3.30  P.  M.,  the  entire 
regiment,  under  command  of  Col.  Hawley,  started  on  a  recon- 
noissance  and  marched  until  after  dark.  A  light  snow  was 
falling,  and,  after  waiting  two  hours,  word  was  received  from 
Brigade  Headquarters  to  return  to  camp.  The  regiment  remained 
in  camp  until  the  morning  of  the  iQth,  when  the  corps  marched  in 
the  direction  of  Stafford  Court  House,  and  on  the  next  day 
passed  through  Dumfries.  During  the  night  of  the  2Oth,  a 
violent  rainstorm  set  in  and  continued  all  forenoon  of  the  next 
day.  The  march  was  resumed  and  it  proved  to  be  the  wettest 
and  muddiest  that  the  regiment  had  experienced  up  to  that  time. 
Artillery,  caissons,  wagons  and  ambulances  stuck  in  the  mud. 
Cannon  had  to  be  taken  off  the  carriages  and  dragged  through  the 
mud  like  logs.  The  division  made  about  four  miles  when  it  was 
stopped  by  an  overflowing  stream. 

41 


Bridges  had  to  be  built,  which  required  all  night  and  part  of 
next  day  to  complete. 

The  division  started  again  at  noon  of  the  23d  and  arrived  at 
Stafford  Court  House  the  same  day. 

On  the  24th,  while  the  regiment  was  out  on  drill,  General 
Slocum  and  staff  came  along  the  road  near  by.  General  Kane 
ordered  the  regiment  into  line  and  Slocum  was  invited  to  witness 
the  manoeuvres  and  the  review. 

On  the  26th  the  men  were  paid  to  November  i,  1862.  On  the 
28th,  snow  fell  to  the  depth  of  seven  inches. 

On  Sunday,  February  1st,  the  regiment  was  inspected  by 
Lieutenant-Colonel  Hawley,  of  the  3d  Wisconsin  Volunteers,  who 
reported  it  unfit  for  duty.  The  inspection  was  made  soon  after 
the  regiment  had  returned  from  a  long,  wet  and  muddy  march, 
in  which  they  had  been  exposed  to  a  snowstorm  for  two  days, 
so  that  the  men  had  but  little  chance  to  burnish  guns  and  accoutre 
ments  and  brush  clothing.  On  the  8th,  Harry  W.  Wilkinson,  fifer 
of  Company  D,  died.  His  mother  was  with  him  when  the  end 
came. 

On  Washington's  Birthday  snow  fell  to  the  depth  of  12  to  15 
inches.  A  part  of  the  regiment  was  out  on  picket  without  shelter, 
except  such  as  the  boughs  of  trees  afforded.  On  March  5th  the 
division  was  reviewed  by  General  Williams,  and  after  the  review 
General  Kane  ordered  the  I24th  and  I25th  to  the  parade  grounds, 
where  he  addressed  them  by  saying  that  he  understood  a  certain 
officer  had  said,  "he  felt  sorry  for  General  Kane,  for  the  General 
must  feel  ashamed  at  having  a  part  of  his  brigade  condemned." 
The  General  then  said,  "I  say,  here,  before  the  honorable  officers 
of  the  1 24th  and  I25th  Pennsylvania  Regiments,  I  am  not  ashamed 
of  you.  You  have  done  too  much  work  in  the  dark,  too  much  work 
in  the  mud,  building  and  making  roads,  and  have  marched  too 
much  in  the  mud  and  slush  for  me  to  be  ashamed  of  you.  I  am 
your  General,  and  as  your  General  I  will  see  justice  done  you 
yet."  He  thereupon  put  spurs  to  his  horse  and,  with  his  staff 
officer,  Thomas  Leiper,  left  the  field,  followed  by  the  cheers  of  the 
whole  command. 

On  the  nth  camp  was  moved  from  the  muddy  hillside  (which 
it  had  occupied  since  the  23d  of  January),  to  a  hilltop  near  Kane's. 
Landing  at  Acquia  Creek. 

On   the    1 7th   General   Williams   reviewed   the   brigade.      And 


on  the  1 8th  General  Slocum  reviewed,  the  division,  and  on  the 
1 9th  General  Hooker  reviewed  the  Twelfth  Corps  about  as 
quickly  as  it  was  possible  to  do  it.  He  rode  a  white  horse  at  a 
very  rapid  rate. 

On  the  22d  (Sunday)  Major  Buckingham,  of  the  2Oth  Con 
necticut,  inspected  the  regiment  and  made  a  very  favorable  report 
of  it. 

On  the  24th,  the  I24th  and  I25th  Penna.  moved  to  Acquia 
Creek  Landing.  Here  another  brigade  was  formed  for  General 
Kane,  consisting  of  the  lOQth,  mth,  I24th  and  I25th  Penna. 
Regiments  and  the  brigade  was  assigned  to  Geary's  Division. 
On  April  roth,  the  Twelfth  Corps  was  reviewed  by  President 
Lincoln. 

From  this  date  until  the  25th  of  April  the  brigade  was  kept 
busy,  clearing  ground  for  camp,  repairing  and  building  a  rail 
road  about  the  Landing  and  in  being  schooled  in  various  military 
movements ;  Companies  C  and  D  \vere  especially  taught  the 
skirmish  drill  by  General  Kane,  with  the  extra  manoeuvres  he  had 
devised. 

On  the  25th  orders  were  given  to  prepare  for  a  march. 

On  the  26th  everything  pertaining  to  a  soldier's  wardrobe  was 
put  in  order  and  eight  days'  rations  were  distributed. 

On  the  morning  of  the  27th,  at  7  o'clock,  the  brigade  moved 
promptly,  and  passed  Stafford  Court  House  at  n  o'clock,  and 
after  a  march  of  16  miles,  halted  for  the  night ;  the  march  was 
resumed  next  day,  and  the  Eleventh  and  Twelfth  Corps  reached 
Kelly's  Ford  in  the  evening.  The  Eleventh  Corps  crossed  the 
river  at  10  at  night,  and  the  Twelfth,  next  morning.  The  route 
was  now  for  Germania  Ford,  on  the  Rapidan,  and  by  rapid  march 
ing  that  place  \vas  reached  at  4  P.  AI. ;  here  the  Twelfth  Corps 
halted  for  coffee ;  the  Eleventh  Corps  crossed  the  river  and  the 
Twelfth  followed  after  dark. 

On  the  3Oth  the  march  was  resumed  on  the  plank  road  leading 
to  Fredericksville.  The  Twelfth  Corps  arrived  at  Chancellorsville 
at  i  P.  M.,  and  captured  a  company  of  the  enemy  who  were  throw 
ing  up  intrenchments.  Line  of  battle  was  formed  in  a  woodland 
of  small,  scrubby  timber  interlaced  with  green  briars  which 
formed  a  perfect  wilderness.  The  t\vo  corps  having  cleared  the 
south  bank  of  the  Rappahannock  of  the  enemy,  the  balance  of 
Hooker's  forces  (except  Sedgwick's  Corps,  yet  at  Fredericks- 

43 


burg,  it  having  crossed  below  the  town)  were  enabled  to  cross  at  the 
United  States  Ford.  In  the  evening  General  Hooker  established  his 
headquarters  at  the  Chancellor  house  and  congratulated  the  army 
on  the  great  success  so  far  achieved. 

The  1 24th  was  on  the  right  of  Kane's  Brigade  and  on  the 
right  of  the  plank  road  which  branched  off  the  main  road  leading 
to  Fredericksburg.  Next  day  the  bushes  and  small  trees  were 
cut  and  bent  over  about  two  and  one-half  feet  from  the  ground 
along  the  front  of  Geary's  Division  and  the  division  was  advanced 
a  mile. 

The  iO9th  Penna.  Volunteers,  together  with  Companies  C  and  D 
of  the  1 24th,  were  advanced  in  skirmish  line  another  mile.  The 
enemy  were  found  advancing  and  the  division  was  ordered  back- 
to  the  main  line. 

The  1 24th  was  kept  in  the  rear  by  General  Kane,  in  a  clearing, 
after  repeated  orders  had  been  sent  by  Geary  to  bring  the  regi 
ment  away,  so  that  when  orders  were  received  to  march,  it  was  at 
double  quick,  out  a  half  mile,  along  a  wagon  road,  northward  to 
the  plank  road,  thence  westward  three-quarters  of  a  mile  to  the 
main  line.  At  the  junction  of  these  two  roads  the  enemy's 
skirmishers  were  seen  firing  at  the  mounted  men  guarding  that 
point.  After  nearly  the  whole  regiment  was  out  of  breath  from 
double-quick  step  for  so  long  a  distance,  loaded  down  with 
a  week's  provisions  and  60  rounds  of  ammunition,  it  was  turned 
into  the  bushes,  and  Company  D  was  ordered  to  deploy  as 
skirmishers,  but  this  order  was  soon  after  countermanded  and  the 
company  recalled.  The  regiment  remained  stationed  in  its  original 
line,  and  the  men  threw  up  a  moderate  breastwork  by  digging 
with  their  bayonets  and  using  tin  plates  as  shovels. 

General  Geary  gave  orders  to  General  Green  (whose  brigade 
joined  to  the  right  of  the  I24th)  to  have  his  men  intrench,  but 
he  complained  that  they  had  no  intrenching  tools,  and  Geary 
and  Kane  brought  Green  up  to  the  I24th  to  show  him  how  intrench- 
ments  were  being  thrown  up.  Geary  remarked  to  him,  "See 
here,  General,  they  are  digging  with  their  bayonets  and  scooping 
it  up  with  cups  and  plates."  In  a  few  minutes  picks  and  shovels 
arrived  and  intrenching  proceeded  more  rapidly.  During  the  day 
Confederate  General  Lee  sent  General  Stuart  around  on  the 
extreme  right  of  Hooker's  Corps,  to  ascertain  its  location  and 
protection. 

44 


Early  in  the  morning  of  May  1st  a  few  shells  from  Geary's 
Division,  thrown  where  the  enemy  was  supposed  to  be,  in  front, 
was  the  only  event  that  broke  the  quietness.  About  the  same 
time  Confederate  General  Jackson's  forces  moved  around  one 
to  two  miles  in  front  of  the  Twelfth,  and  three  miles  out  from  the 
Eleventh  Corps,  and  formed  in  three  lines,  and  came  down  about 
sunset  on  Howard's  flank,  and  turned  his  whole  line. 

General  Sickles  took  a  division  and  charged  on  the  enemy's 
column  and  drove  them  off,  but  they  only  moved  out  on  a  wider 
detour. 

General  Pleasanton  has  the  credit  of  staying  the  enemy's 
advance  for  the  time  with  22  pieces  of  artillery ;  unaided,  except 
by  a  gallant  charge  of  some  companies  of  the  8th  Penna.  Cavalry. 

After  the  break  of  the  Eleventh  Corps,  Pleasanton,  who  had 
been  out  with  General  Sickles,  came  back  to  the  main  line  to  find 
the  right  in  full  flight,  except  two  brigades  that  held  the  enemy 
in  check  for  a  little  while,  until  their  lines  were  somewhat 
adjusted. 

General  Pleasanton  soon  succeeded  in  getting  one  battery  in 
position,  in  front  of  an  open  space  two  hundred  yards  in  width, 
and  ordered  the  8th  Penna.  Cavalry  to  charge.  They  were  led 
into  the  woods,  and  then  by  column  in  a  wild  charge  along  a 
cart  road  in  which  it  happened  was  a  line  of  the  enemy. 
This  route  brought  them  in  a  clearing,  where  they  received  the 
open  fire  of  a  line  of  the  enemy  and  many  of  the  command  fell, 
but  this  charge  of  five  hundred  horsemen  staggered  the  whole 
Rebel  line  and  enabled  Pleasanton  to  get  two  batteries  and  ten 
other  guns  into  position. 

The  enemy  was  in  the  opposite  woods,  but  they  soon  came  out 
displaying  three  Union  flags  (which  the  Eleventh  Corps  had 
dropped- ;  this  ruse  was  quickly  unveiled  and  they  received  such 
a  volley  from  the  batteries  Pleasanton  had  placed  in  position,  that 
they  again  took  shelter  in  the  woods.  Twice  afterward  they  tried 
to  take  these  guns  (once  coming,  it  is  said,  within  fifty  yards  of 
them),  but  they  were  driven  back  with  fearful  slaughter. 

General  Sickles'  force  was  now  arriving,  and  soon  a  new 
position  was  taken  at  the  upper  end  of  the  cleared  land  which 
extended  down  in  front  of  the  Chancellor  House.  Forty  lunettes 
were  thrown  up  during  the  night  and  General  Sickles  had  many 
pieces  of  artillery  behind  them  before  morning,  and  his  corps  well 

45 


posted.  This  position  was  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  to  the  right 
rear  of  the  position,  held  by  the  I24th,  and  a  quarter  of  a  mile  from 
the  spot  where  Confederate  General  Stonewall  Jackson  was  killed 
the  evening  before. 

The  fighting  on  the  morning  of  May  2d  raged  with  terrific 
fury  around  this  point.  General  J.  E.  B.  Stuart  (who  succeeded 
Stonewall  Jackson)  urged  the  Confederates  on.  They  were 
repulsed  repeatedly.  And  General  Sickles,  with  18,000  men, 
held  his  position  as  long  as  the  ammunition  lasted.  Confederate 
General  Mahone  says,  "The  Yankees  fought  like  devils." 

Sickles  sent  repeated  word  to  headquarters  that  his  ammunition 
was  nearly  exhausted ;  receiving  no  reply  he  sent  his  chief  of 
staff,  who  found  that  General  Hooker  had  been  wounded  by  a 
shell.  He  soon  partially  recovered  and  sent  orders  to  Sickles  to 
retire  across  to  the  north  side  of  the  road.  This  was  done,  and  in 
the  movement  the  artillerymen  lost  forty-five  horses,  but  the 
harness  and  all  the  cannon,  except  one  disabled  gun,  were  saved. 
Geary's  Division  was  now  ordered  to  fall  back,  and  General 
Green's  Brigade  led  off,  and  followed  by  Kane's  Brigade,  they 
passed  the  Chancellor  House  and  went  into  the  woods. 

Scarcely  had  they  reached  the  woods  when  General  Hooker  con 
cluded  to  hold  the  point,  just  vacated,  and  General  Geary  was 
ordered  to  retake  the  intrenchments,  Hooker  promising  to  sup 
port  him  on  the  right.  Geary  looked  about  him  and  could  find 
only  one  brigade,  but  the  men  hearing  Hooker's  order  gave  a 
cheer  and  retook  the  woods.  A  messenger  arrived  telling  Geary 
to  hold  on  a  little  while.  Geary  returned  the  reply,  "Tell  the 
General  I  cannot  stay  here  ten  minutes."  After  waiting  a  few 
minutes  and  seing  no  signs  of  support,  he  brought  the  brigade  out 
and  the  battle  \vas  virtually  ended  on  this  part  of  the  field. 

Another  line  was  now  formed  north  of  the  pike,  but  excepting 
a  half  dozen  shells,  which  were  thrown  into  the  regiment  about 
i  o'clock,  this  was  the  last  fire  the  I24th  was  subjected  to. 

At  ten  o'clock  in  the  evening  the  regiment  was  moved  a  mile 
farther  north,  and,  after  considerable  marching  and  retracing, 
finally  settled  for  the  night. 

Next  morning  the  I24th  and  the  I25th  Regiments  were  moved 
farther  towards  the  river,  in  the  direction  of  the  United  States 
Ford. 

On  the  morning  of  the  5th,  at  2  o'clock,  rations  were  distributed 

46 


to  the  regiment,  and  the  day  was  spent  in  cutting  trees,  carrying- 
logs  and  building  breastworks.  A  violent  thunderstorm,  at  5 
P.  M.,  stopped  work. 

Tents  were  soon  pitched,  but  after  the  men  had  lain  about 
an  hour,  they  were  aroused  quietly  and  told  to  pack  up.  The 
brigade  was  kept  standing  until  half  past  three  in  the  morning, 
when  a  start  was  made  through  the  mud  on  a  quick-step  march 
for  the  river. 

The  regiment  made  good  time  on  that  dull  morning  and 
reached  the  river  at  daylight,  crossed  on  pontoons,  and  con 
tinued  for  two  or  three  hours,  when  a  halt  was  made  for  coffee. 
Encamped  for  the  night  at  5  P.  M. 

On  the  7th  arrived  at  Stafford  Court  House,  at  n  A.  M., 
where  orders  were  given  for  the  Twelfth  Corps  to  return  to  their 
old  camps.  General  Slocum  made  a  speech  to  the  officers  and 
men  telling  them  they  had  done  all  that  had  been  required  of 
them.  The  regiment  arrived  at  the  old  camp  about  4  o'clock. 
Tired  and  footsore  they  remained  here  until  Sunday,  May  loth, 
when  General  Slocum  reviewed  the  division  and  bade  the  I24th 
and  1 25th  Regiments  of  Pennsylvania  Volunteers  good-bye. 

The  next  morning  these  two  regiments  marched  to  the  landing 
at  the  mouth  of  Acquia  Creek,  and  the  I24th  boarded  the  steam 
boat  John  A.  Warner,  and  after  a  pleasant  ride  up  the  Potomac, 
arrived  at  Washington  at  I  P.  M.,  and  in  an  hour  after  they  were 
on  their  way  by  railroad  to  Baltimore,  reaching  there  at  about 
nine  in  the  evening. 

The  regiment  marched  through  the  city  without  incident,  and 
the  night  was  spent  in  the  cars  of  a  waiting  train. 

On  the  afternoon  of  the  next  day  they  pitched  tents  in  Camp 
Curtin,  at  Harrisburg,  and  went  to  work  making  out  muster  rolls. 

On  Sunday  morning.  May  I7th,  the  regiment  w^as  formed  in 
line,  and  Lieutenant  Chas.  D.  M.  Broomhall,  on  behalf  of  the 
regiment  presented  Colonel  Hawley  with  a  handsome  gold  watch, 
on  the  inside  case  of  which  is  inscribed :  A  TRIBUTE  OE  RESPECT  TO 

COLONEL  JOSEPH  W.  HAWLEY,  FROM  THE  ENLISTED  MEN  OE  THE 
I24TH  REGT.  PEXNA.  VOLUNTEERS,  MAY  1 7,  1863. 

On  the  evening  of  the  I7th,  the  members  of  the  regiment  pres 
ent  were  paid  off  and  discharged,  and  on  the  following  day  were 
brought  to  West  Chester,  Pa.,  where  they  received  a  hearty  wel 
come  by  the  citizens,  the  home  soldiery  and  the  military  cadets. 

47 


A  West  Chester  paper,  issued  shortly  after  the  reception,  pub 
lished  the  following  poem  and  report : — 

HOME  AGAIN ! 

Dedicated  to  the  i?4th  Regiment,  P.  V. 
Welcome !  welcome  home,  brave  soldiers 

Where  onr  kindred  spirits  glow  ! 
Ye  have  guarded  us  through  danger 

In  our  Nation's  direst  woe. 
Through  the  autumn,  with  its  flowers, 

Through  the  winter,  chill  and  lone, 
Have  we  watched  through  weary  hours — 

Welcome,  soldiers,  welcome  home  ! 

'Mid  hopes,  our  fears,  our  sorrows, 

All  the  sad  farewells  were  said, 
Trembling,  lest  the  new  to-morrow 

Bring  the  tidings,  "he  is  dead." 
Where  the  bayonets  are  gleaming 

To  the  forest  lone  retreat, 
Hoping,  fearing,  longing,  dreaming, 

Have  we  paced  the  soldier's  beat. 

Praying  in  the  jessamine  bowers, 

'Neath  the  soft  light  of  the  moon, 
Through  the  long,  still  midnight  hours, 

In  the  lone,  deserted  room. 
When  the  wintry  lights  are  burning, 

Falling  slow  the  pattering  rain, 
Most  our  hearts  are  deeply  yearning 

For  our  brothers  home  again. 

One  by  one  the  leaves  were  falling 

In  the  chilly  autumn  breath, 
One  by  one  our  loved  were  lying 

In  the  peaceful  arms  of  death. 
Still   we  gave  them — fathers,  brothers, 

Brave  of  heart  to  "do  or  die," 
While  the  prayers  of  weeping  mothers 

Pierced  the  blue  depths  of  the  sky. 

Home  again  !  thrice  welcome,  soldiers, 

Worn  and  weary  with  the  fray ! 
Home  again,  brave-hearted  warriors, 

From  your  camp  fires  far  away ! 
Hark  !  the  forest  birds  are  singing 

In  their  sweet,  magnetic  tone, 
All  the  village  bells  are  ringing 

Welcome,  soldiers,  welcome  home  ! 
48 


There  are  tears  that  blind  with  gladness, 

Many  feet  rough-shod  with  care, 
There  are  melting  tones  of  sadness 

Borne  upon  the  balmy  air; 
Ye  have  come,  but  some  may  never 

Greet  our  longing  eyes  to-day — 
They  have  crossed  the  rolling  river, 

And  we  only  watch  and  pray. 

Others,  Oh,  my  brothers,  brothers ! 

Share  the  soldier's  care  and  pain — 
Guard  them,  our  protecting  Father, 

Glad  our  weeping  eyes  again. 
When  a  thousand  bells  are  ringing 
Freedom  'neath  Thy  starlit  dome 
And  a  million  voices  singing 

Welcome,  soldiers,  welcome  home  ! 

FANNIE 
West  Chester,  May  18,  1863. 


A  GRAND  WELCOME  HOME. 
THE  RETURN  OF  THE  I24TH. 

The  reception  given  to  the  I24th  Penna.  Regiment,  composed 
of  men  of  Chester  and  Delaware  Counties,  on  Monday,  was  all 
that  could  be  desired  by  soldiers  and  citizens.  West  Chester  was 
ablaze  with  the  Red,  White  and  Blue.  The  grand  old  ensign 
of  our  nationality  floated  in  every  quarter  of  the  town,  and  as 
these  flags  rippled  and  rattled  in  the  fresh  wind,  they  seemed  to 
catch  up  the  glad  inspiration  of  the  hearts  of  those  over  whom  they 
so  gaily  floated.  The  loyal  women — may  the  rich  blessings  of 
Heaven  forever  descend  upon  them — were  astir  in  the  early  morn 
ing,  and  they  prepared  a  repast  for  the  brave  boys,  worthy  of  their 
generous  and  sympathizing  hearts.  The  market  house  was  a 
spread  from  one  end  to  the  other,  and  it  bore  up  such  a  substantial 
and  plentiful  supply  of  good  things  as  would  have  excited  the 
palate  of  an  epicure. 

The  procession,  under  the  efficient  Chief  Marshalship  of  Cap 
tain  William  Apple,  was  quite  imposing.  It  was  led  by  Beck's 
Philadelphia  Brass  Band,  playing  inspiring  music — then  came  the 
Marshal  and  his  aides,  mounted,  with  citizens  on  horse-back — then 
the  Burgess,  School  Board,  Officers  of  the  Union  League,  and 

4  49 


FLAG  OF  THE  124x11. 
Presented  to  the  Regiment  October  13,   1862. 

By  Governor  Andrew  G.  Ctirtin. 

The  above  illustration  shows  its  tattered  condition  when  the  Regiment 
returned. 


other  citizens  on  foot ;  then  the  lire  companies  with  their  engines 
and  hose  carriages  gayly  decked  with  wreaths  of  evergreens  and 
spring  lowers;  then  Volunteers  who  had  previously  returned, 
next  a  battery  of  six  brass  field  pieces  from  Col.  Hyatt's  Military 
Academy,  manned  by  the  Cadets  of  that  establishment ;  then 
Wyer's  finely  drilled  Academic  Cadets ;  then,  preceded  by  the 
Coatesville  Brass  Band,  cnrre  the  great  and  attractive  feature  of 
the  procession,  the  soiled  and  weather-beaten  men  of  the  124th, 
fresh  from  their  perilous  position  in  the  late  fight  at  Chancellors- 
vine,  Col.  Hawley  and  his  staff  of  regimental  officers  riding  at 
the  head  of  the  regiment.  The  streets  along  the  line  were  crowded 
with  spectators,  while  the  balconies  of  the  hotels  and  windows 
of  private  residences  were  filled  with  ladies  waving  their  hand 
kerchiefs  and  smiling  a  glad  welcome  to  their  soldier  friends, 
who  returned  their  salutations  with  the  wildest  and  heartiest 
cheers.  The  procession  halted  in  front  of  the  residence  of  our 
townsman,  David  Meconkey,  Esq.,  from  the  steps  of  which  Judge 
William  Butler  delivered  the  following  brief,  but  eloquent  and 
touching,  speech  of  welcome,  which  was  responded  to  by  the 
soldiers  with  shouts  of  grateful  appreciation  : — 

"SOLEIERS  :  I  am  here,  as  the  representative  of  these  people,  to  welcome 
you  to  your  homes.  I  have  no  language  fitting  on  this  occasion — no  words 
which  will  express  the  feelings  that  swell  our  hearts.  At  a  dark,  sad  hour, 
after  rehellion  had  raised  the  parricidal  arm,  when  it  was  dripping  with 
the  blood  of  the  patriot  soldier,  and  knocking  at  the  very  gates  of  the 
Capitol,  you,  turning  your  backs  upon  the  peaceful  enjoyments  of  home, 
marched  with  unfaltering  step  to  the  battlefield.  Untrained,  inexperienced 
in  the  new  and  severe  duties  which  were  thus  cast  upon  you,  on  the  banks 
of  the  Potomac  yon  met  the  insolent  foe,  flushed  with  the  triumph  ot 
recent  victory,  and  there  at  Antietam  you  proved  yourselves  to  be  soldiers 
— soldiers  worthy  to  have  been  born  within  the  hallowed  precincts  of 
Valley  Forge  and  Brandywine  !  Since  that  time  you  have  made  long  and 
weary  marches,  have  suffered  many  privations,  and  endured  severe  toil. 
And  now  you  are  just  from  the  gory  field  of  Chancellorsville,  where  you 
assisted  to  inflict  upon  the  enemy  the  severest  punishment  he  has  yet 
received. 

"During  all  your  absence  we  have  watched — looked  after  you  With 
anxious,  paternal  eyes.  O,  with  what  solicitude  did  we  awrait  the  tidings 
from  Antietam !  It  was  your  first  battle ;  but  yesterday  you  had  been 
called  from  the  peaceful  occupations  of  rural  life,  unaccustomed  to  camp, 
and  unused  to  the  terrible  scenes  of  the  battlefield.  But  when  the  message 
came,  it  brought  us  tidings  of  your  gallantry,  and  filled  our  hearts  with 
gratitude  and  joy;  w^e  thanked  Almighty  God  that  He  had  nerved  your 

51 


arms  and  strengthened  your  hearts,  had  enabled  you  to  stand  firm  amid 
the  shock  of  battle,  and  to  cover  yourselves  with  unfading  honor. 

"But,  soldiers,  there  are  some  who  went  out  with  you  whom  I  do  not 
see.  They  are  not  present  to  hear  our  greeting.  But,  O,  God!  in  this 
moment  of  joy  they  are  not  forgotten;  they  have  had  our  warmest  tears, 
and  their  memories  are  enshrined  in  our  inmost  hearts.  They  have 
achieved  immortal  fame ;  they  are  martyrs  in  the  cause  of  human  rights ; 
they  have  become  the  seed  from  which  liberty  will  reap  an  abundant 
harvest;  their  example,  the  recollection  of  their  virtues,  their  deeds  and 
their  sacrifice,  will  raise  up  armies  in  her  cause;  their  graves  are  shrines, 
over  which  we,  with  you,  will  pledge  ourselves,  our  lives,  and  all  we 
have  of  earthly  hope,  in  support  of  the  great  cause  for  which  they  died. 

"Again,  soldiers,  in  the  name  of  these  people,  I  welcome  you  to  your 
homes  in  our  midst ;,  with  the  prayer  that  your  future  lives  may  be  pros 
perous  and  happy,  the  government  which  you  so  deeply  love  may  prevail 
over  all  its  enemies,  that  you  and  all  men  may  here  enjoy  the  blessings 
of  the  free  and  benign  institutions  which  we  now  possess,  and  which  have 
made  this  Nation  the  wonder  of  mankind  throughout  the  world. 

"In  the  language  of  the  poet : 

"Warm  welcome  home,  ye  noble  Northern  band, 
We  bid  you  welcome  with  the  heart  and  hand, 
Always  our  dear,  but  now  our  dearest  ones, 
Our  closest  kindred — fathers,  brothers,  sons. 
Warm  welcome,  soldiers,  howso'er  you  come, 

Whether  you  keep  step  to  the  stirring  drum, 
Or,  maimed  and  feeble,  faltering  and  slow, 
Sad  victims  of  the  contest  and  of  the  foe, 
The  dear  survivors  shall  have  love  and  fame — 
The  loyal  dead  a  consecrated  name ! 
Nor  only  now,  for  after  years  shall  tell 
The  story  of  your  deeds  and  triumphs  well. 

The  generations  that  are  yet  to  be, 
With  glowing  eyes  our  country's   flag   shall   see, 
Emblem  of  joy,  pride,  glory  and  success, 
Without  one  stripe  erased,  one  star  the  less, 
As  all  its  dazzling  hues  and  dots  expand 
From  sea  to  sea  o'er  one  united  land, 
Shall  canonize  your  memories  late  and  long, 
Subjects  of  eloquence  and  themes  of  song, 

Martyrs  and  patriots,  whose  deaths   sublime, 
Have  made  our  Union  holy  for  all  time." 

Judge  Townsend  Haines  had  also  prepared  an  address  of  wel 
come,  which  he  intended  to  deliver  at  the  close  of  Judge  Butler's 
remarks,  but  the  soldiers  being  tired  and  weary  with  their  ride 

52 


from  Harrisburg  and  their  long  inarch  in  procession,  he  declined 
to  deliver  it,  but  he  kindly  furnished  us  a  copy  for  publication, 
with  which  we  conclude  our  account  of  a  day  long  to  be  remem 
bered  by  all  loyal  men  and  women  who  participated  in  its  inspiring 
ceremonies.  The  soldiers  immediately  marched  from  Mr. 
Meconkey's  to  the  market  house,  where  our  noble-hearted  women 
had  prepared  for  them  a  collation  worthy  of  their  generous  im 
pulses,  and  which  was  heartily  enjoyed  by  the  gallant  officers  and 
men  of  the  I24th. 

Judge  Haines'  address  is  as  follows  : — 

"SOLDIERS  OF  THE  UNION  :  Some  nine  months  ago  you  were  citizens  of 
Chester  and  Delaware  Counties,  pursuing  the  ordinary  employments  of 
civil  and  social  life,  and  enjoying  the  endearments  of  home,  of  kindred 
and  friends.  At  the  call  of  the  Natio'nal  Government,  attacked  by  traitors 
who  threatened  its  overthrow,  you  took  up  arms  in  its  defense,  and, 
leaving  your  peaceful  pursuits,  hastened  to  its  rescue.  The  period  of  your 
service  having  expired,  and  an  honorable  discharge  having  been  granted 
to  you,  once  more  you  tread  the  hallowed  soil  of  freedom  amidst  the 
memories  of  bygone  years.  If  words  of  anguish  at  your  separation  from 
home  fell  upon  your  ears,  you  cannot  fail  to  notice  the  tears  of  joy  which 
greet  your  return. 

"You  do  not,  however,  present  yourselves  to  us  in  the  same  character 
in  which  you  left  us.  The  I24th  Regiment,  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  is 
indeed  before  us,  but  there  are  openings  in  its  columns,  which  speak  of 
disease  and  battles,  of  wounds  and  death.  Climate,  exposure,  fatigue, 
and  the  bullets  of  the  rebellious  foe  have  thinned  your  ranks,  and, 
although  yet  strong  in  numbers,  there  are  aching  hearts  among  us,  who 
might  look  in  vain  for  cherished  sons,  brothers,  and  friends  who  went 
forth  with  you,  but  do  not  witness  your  return. 

"In  another  aspect  your  characters  are  changed — you  have  proved  your 
selves,  on  the  battlefield  and  in  the  camp,  lovers  of  your  country,  attached 
to  the  National  Government,  and  resolutely  devoted  to  the  Union  and 
the  Constitution.  Yours  has  been  no  lip  service,  no  home  bravado,  seeking 
popularity  for  temporary  profit  and  civil  honors,  but  a  service  of  nobler 
aims  and  higher  aspirations,  willing  to  risk  life  in  defense  of  republican 
institutions  and  American  liberty.  You  went  forth  to  defend  that  Union 
which  your  ancestors  had  cemented,  that  National  Constitution  which 
their  wisdom  had  formed,  that  problem  of  free  government  which  they 
had  entrusted  to  your  keeping,  and  you  have  nobly  risked  your  lives  in 
defense  of  these  immortal  principles. 

"The  world  has  witnessed  innumerable  wars.  In  all  wars,  the  oppressed 
and  down-trodden  have  struggled  against  the  oppressor,  and  human 
arteries  in  all  countries  have  been  drained  of  their  life-blood  in  the 
support  of  human  rights.  The  records  of  mankind  compose  a  history  of 

53 


human  slaughter,  where  intelligence  and  genius,  learning  and  piety, 
domestic  repose  and  general  benevolence  have  been  indiscriminately 
butchered  to  swell  the  ephemeral  renown.  The  war  in  which  you  have 
been  engaged,  presented,  and  yet  presents,  features  which  no  former  conflict 
ever  disclosed.  You  have  not  been  engaged  in  an  endeavor  to  overthrow  a 
government  or  to  establish  human  rights,  but  to  support  free  institutions 
which  are  reared  on  the  basis  of  enlarged  political  and  civil  liberty,  and 
which  guarded  under  a  written  Constitution  a  scheme  of  rational  freedom 
such  as  had  never  been  equaled  or  thought  of  in  former  ages,  and  which 
had  been  considered  an  impracticable  theory.  You  went  forth  from  your 
peaceful  homes  to  defend  a  country  which  had  for  almost  a  century  spread 
over  its  citizens,  with  a  lavish  hand,  all  the  blessings  which  civil  and 
political  government  can  bestow.  You  have  witnessed,  under  the  influence 
of  Constitutional  freedom,  every  social  interest  promoted;  equality  of 
rights  secured;  the  onward  step  of  civilization  and  Christianity  advanced; 
and  the  whole  of  those  elements  which  constitute  wholesome  progress 
regulated  and  harmonized  ;  and  you  have  seen  the  government  to  whose 
wisdom  and  justice  these  countless  blessings  belong,  fiercely  attacked,  its 
overthrow  attempted,  its  legitimate  rights  trampled  under  foot,  in  order 
that  infidels  to  God  and  to  freedom,  to  justice  and  to  liberty  should  rule 
and  ruin  with  despotic  will.  It  was  this  Government  you  went  forth  to 
defend,  and  these  enemies  to  the  human  race  that  called  you  to  arms. 
The  malcontents  of  the  Southern  States  had  but  a  slight  grievance.  They 
had  no  fault  to  find  with  the  Government,  for  the  system  whereon  it  was 
founded  \vas  of  their  own  selection;  they  could  not  complain  of  its 
administration,  for  it  had  been  substantially  administered  by  themselves; 
but  they  saw  in  the  onward  march  of  enlightened  civilization,  in  the 
practical  operation  of  free  principles,  the  certain,  inevitable  destruction  of 
their  peculiar  form  of  social  existence.  They  did  not,  therefore,  rebel 
against  the  Government  nor  the  administration  of  the  Government,  but 
their  conflict  was  against  the  wholesome  progressive  principles  of  the 
human  race.  To  strike  at  these  they  were  under  the  necessity  of  over 
throwing  the  government  which  made  them  the  foundation  stone  of  its 
structure.  Under  the  influence  of  a  sound  social  system,  the  Xorth  held 
out  to  all  nations  an  example  of  thriving  industry,  of  largely  increasing 
population  and  general  prosperity,  while  the  South  stood  still  amidst  its 
terrible  desolation.  This  was  the  grievance — and  the  only  grievance  of 
which  these  Southern  traitors  had  to  complain.  They  made  war  against 
a  fundamental  law  of  nature  which  provides  by  the  gradual  progress  of 
intelligence  for  the  emancipation  from  ignorance,  barbarism  and  idolatry, 
and  to  make  the  conflict  effectual,  the  destruction  of  American  liberty 
became  a  necessity.  In  the  fullness  of  their  hate  of  the  logical  destiny  of 
human  existence,  they  resolved  that  sooner  than  abandon  their  pernicious 
social  system  they  would  inaugurate  a  scheme  of  universal  carnage,  out 
of  which  they  hoped  this  glorious  country  would  emerge  with  its  industries 
paralyzed,  its  prosperity  destroyed,  its  energies  relaxed,  and  its  convictions 
in  the  wisdom  of  republican  freedom  abandoned.  It  was  a  war  of  this 
nature  that  induced  you  to  leave  your  homes,  to  buckle  on  your  armor, 

54 


and  lo  face  death  on  the  battlefield.  Your  countrymen  will  long  remember 
your  valor,  your  fatigue,  and.  above  all,  your  love  of  country,  your  manly 
devotion  to  the  Government  and  the  principles  whereon  it  is  founded. 

"It  is  true,  the  war  still  rages.  The  foe  to  free  principles  is  yet  in  the 
field.  Your  commanding  general,  however,  has  noticed,  in  a  public  order, 
his  appreciation  of  your  efforts  and  devotion,  and  directs  that  this  order 
shall  be  promulgated  to  the  troops  with  his  best  wishes  for  their  welfare. 
This  expression  of  feeling  from  such  an  officer  as  General  Hooker,  the 
patriot,  the  soldier,  the  commanding  general  who,  from  personal  observa 
tion,  knows  how  his  regiments  fight,  is  no  faint  praise.  It  will  endure. 

"One  thing,  however,  you  and  your  comrades  in  arms  have  certainly 
achieved,  although  the  war  is  not  ended — you  have  thus  far  saved  the 
Government  of  the  country.  The  Stars  and  Stripes  yet  float  from  the 
dome  of  the  National  Capitol,  and  the  free  States  of  the  Union  have  not 
been  visited  by  the  foot  of  the  destroyer.  We,  your  fathers,  brothers, 
sons,  mothers  and  sisters,  knowing  that  you  stood  between  us  and  the 
enemy,  have  pursued  our  ordinary  business  in  peace  and  have  slept 
soundly.  The  homes  you  left  still  stand,  with  their  decorations  and 
adornments;  the  groves  and  the  green  fields  around  you  have  not  been 
wasted  nor  overrun  by  the  embittered  foe,  for  your  valor  has  shielded 
them  from  harm.  Their  richness  and  verdure  belong  to  you,  for  you  have 
saved  them  from  desolation. 

"Soldiers  of  the  Union,  we  thank  you — from  our  hearts  we  thank  you!" 

At  the  close  of  the  feast  in  the  market  house,  it  soon  became 
evident  that  the  boys  were  anxious  to  proceed  to  their  homes,  to 
greet  their  loved  ones  from  whom  they  had  so  long  been  sep 
arated — they  shook  hands  and  parted;  some  never  to  meet  again. 
Many  of  them  re-enlisted  and  joined  military  organizations  in 
distant  fields,  some  to  fall  a  prey  to  the  enemy's  bullets  at  Chat 
tanooga,  some  to  help  capture  Fort  Fisher,  some  to  accompany 
Sherman  from  Atlanta  to  the  sea,  others  to  pass  through  the 
Wilderness  and  dreadful  Cold  Harbor,  and  be  with  Grant  at  Appo- 
mattox.  The  majority  of  the  regiment,  after  a  few  weeks  sojourn 
at  home,  were  again  called  upon  to  assist  in  driving  the  enemy 
from  our  own  State,  and,  under  command  of  Col.  Hawley,  they 
were  sworn  in  to  the  United  States  service  and  became  the  2Qth 
Regiment,  Pennsylvania  Volunteer  Militia,  to  serve  throughout 
the  threatened  emergency. 


RECORD  OF  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FOURTH 

REGIMENT. 

(Copied    from    Bates'    History   of    Pennsylvania    Volunteers.) 

Seven  companies  of  the  I24th  Regiment,  A,  C,  E,  F,  G,  I  and  K  were 
recruited  in  Chester  County,  and  three,  B,  D,  and  H,  in  Delaware 
County.  They  rendezvoused  at  Camp  Curtin  near  Harrisbnrg,  but  before 
an  organization  could  be  effected,  they  were  ordered  to  Washington, 
and  proceeded  thither  on  the  I2th  of  August,  1862,  under  command 
of  the  senior  captain,  Joseph  W.  Hawley.  Upon  their  arrival,  they 
went  into  camp  near  Fort  Albany,  two  miles  southeast  of  the  Capital, 
and  on  the  I7th  a  regimental  organization  was  effected,  with  the  following 
field  officers :  Joseph  W.  Hawley,  of  Chester  County,  colonel ;  Simon 
Litzenberg,  of  Delaware  County,  lieutenant-colonel ;  I.  Law.  Haldeman, 
of  Delaware  County,  major. 

On  the  7th  of  September  the  regiment  was  ordered  to  Rockville, 
Maryland,  where,  upon  its  arrival,  it  was  assigned  to  the  First  Brigade, 
First  Division,  of  the  Eleventh  Corps.  Having  been  but  little  more  than 
three  weeks  recruited,  and  most  of  this  time  having  been  given  to  change 
of  camps,  requiring  heavy  details  for  fatigue  duty,  little  attention  had  been 
given  to  drill,  when,  on  the  afternoon  of  the  Qth,  it  was  ordered  upon  the 
march  to  meet  the  enemy.  Crossing  South  Mountain  on  the  evening  of 
the  1 5th,  it  followed  up  the  retreating  foe  to  the  banks  of  Antietam  Creek, 
where  he  was  found  strongly  posted.  As  the  regiment  moved  rapidly  in 
advance  of  the  trains,  rations  in  haversack  soon  became  exhausted. 
Fresh  beef  was  delivered  during  the  evening  of  the  i6th,  but  scarcely  had 
it  been  received  when  the  regime-nt  was  ordered  into  line,  and  moved 
rapidly  to  the  support  of  General  Hooker,  in  command  of  the  right  wing 
of  the  army.  "It  was  ordered  to  the  front,"  says  Major  Haldeman,  in  his 
official  report,  "at  7  A.  AI.  On  reaching  the  extreme  edge  of  the  woods 
on  the  east  side  of  the  cornfield,  our  line  was  formed  and  stationed  in  a 
position  behind  the  fence.  We  were  then  ordered  to  advance,  our  right 
extending  across  the  road,  and  beyond  the  grain-stacks.  We  were  led 
in  line  into  the  cornfield  about  twenty  paces,  and  ordered  to  halt,  as  we 
could  not  distinguish  our  own  troops.  We  were  then  ordered  to  fall  back 
to  the  edge  of  the  cornfield,  and  take  position  again  behind  the  fence, 
which  was  done  in  good  order.  We  were  again  ordered  to  advance,  when 
the  right,  after  proceeding  about  100  yards,  received  a  raking  fire  from 
the  enemy  in  the  woods,  which  was  responded  to  by  repeated  volleys  from 
our  men ;  but  the  fire  from  our  left,  and  from  a  battery  of  the  enemy  on 
the  right,  compelled  us  again  to  fall  back  to  the  stacks.  A  battery  was 
now  planted  on  the  hill,  between  the  wood  and  the  cornfield,  opposite  the 
stacks,  and  the  right  wing  of  the  regiment  was  ordered  to  its  support. 
The  left  wing  followed  up  the  advance  through  the  cornfield,  making 
successful  charges  upon  the  enemy,  until  it  was  also  ordered  to  the  support 
of  the  batteries.  The  enemy's  guns  were  silenced,  and  at  3  P.  M.  the 
regiment  was  ordered  to  the  rear,  where  it  was  directed,  by  General 
Hancock,  to  remain  in  readiness  to  support  batteries  upon  the  right ;  but 
not  being  required,  it  bivouacked  upon  the  field  during  the  night."  The 

56 


loss  in  this  engagement  was  50  killed  and  wounded.  Lieutenant  Isaac 
Finch  received  a  mortal  wound,  from  which  he  died  on  the  2Oth  of  October. 
Colonel  Hawley  was  among  the  wounded. 

On  the  day  following  the  battle,  the  regiment  was  employed  in  burying 
the  dead,  and  on  the  iQth  started  for  Pleasant  Valley,  reaching  it  on  the 
20th,  after  a  severe  march.  It  was  subsequently  posted  on  Maryland 
Heights,  but  again  returned  to  its  old  camp  at  Pleasant  Valley,  where  it 
was  transferred  to  a  brigade  commanded  by  General  Kane.  On  the  3Oth 
of  October,  Kane's  Brigade  was  ordered  to  London  Heights.  On  the  8th 
of  November  a  reconnoissance  was  made,  up  the  valley,  by  a  detachment 
of  the  regiment  consisting  of  100  men,  with  two  pieces  of  artillery,  which 
returned  at  daylight  on  the  following  morning,  bringing  in  abandoned 
stores  of  the  enemy.  In  consequence  of  the  alarm  of  the  pickets  on  the 
mountain,  on  the  night  of  the  i6th,  the  regiment  was  ordered,  with  a 
portion  of  the  brigade,  to  the  support  of  a  battery  posted  thereon,  remain 
ing  until  the  iQth.  The  heavy  guns  which  had  been  mounted  on  Maryland 
Heights  sufficiently  commanding  the  position,  the  garrison  was  relieved, 
and  returned  to  camp.  Whilst  here,  drill  and  discipline  were  studiously 
prosecuted.  On  the  loth  of  December,  upon  the  eve  of  the  movement 
upon  Fredericksburg,  the  Twelfth  Corps,  which  had  been  held  in  the 
neighborhood  of  Harper's  Ferry,  was  ordered  forward,  and  by  forced 
marches  over  almost  impassable  roads  and  swollen  streams,  in  the  bleak 
wintry  weather,  arrived  across  the  Occoquan  on  the  I5th.  The  fighting 
at  Fredericksburg  being  over,  it  was  ordered  to  recross  the  Occoquan  on 
the  1 7th,  the  regiment  returning  to  Fairfax  Station.  On  the  28th  it  was 
again  put  upon  the  march  to  meet  Stuart's  Cavalry,  but  failed  to  find  it. 
On  the  8th  of  January  the  brigade  made  a  reconnoissance  to  the  vicinity 
of  Wolf's  Run  Shoals,  returning  without  encountering  opposition.  On 
the  iQth  the  brigade  again  broke  camp,  and,  crossing  the  Occoquan,  joined 
with  the  army  in  Burnside's  second  campaign,  and  after  toiling  painfully 
through  the  mud  and  under  drenching  rains,  the  trains  and  artillery  being 
moved  only  by  the  most  vigorous  efforts,  it  finally  rested  at  Stafford  Court 
House,  the  campaign  having  been  abandoned. 

On  the  21  st  of  March,  the  I24th,  and  the  I25th,  which  had  been  brigaded 
with  it,  were  transferred  to  Geary's  Division  of  the  Twelfth  Corps,  General 
Kane  being  transferred  with  them  and  taking  command  of  the  brigade  to 
which  they  were  assigned.  At  daylight  of  the  27th  of  April,  the  regiment, 
with  eight  days'  rations,  marched  on  the  Chancellorsville  campaign.  Crossing 
the  Rappahannock  in  rear  of  the  Eleventh  Corps,  the  Twelfth  moved  on  to 
Germania  Ford,  where  its  progress  was  impeded  by  the  troops  in  advance, 
and  did  not  reach  the  Chancellor  House  until  3  P.  M.  of  the  3Oth.  Line 
of  battle  was  immediately  formed,  the  position  of  the  regiment  falling  in 
the  right  wing  of  the  corps.  On  the  following  morning,  May  ist,  the 
brigade  advanced,  and  soon  encountered  the  enemy's  pickets,  pushing  them 
back  into  the  woods  beyond.  Having  attained  a  position  considerably  in 
advance  of  the  main  line,  its  safety  was  much  endangered  by  a  flank 
movement  of  the  enemy,  and  it  was  withdrawn  to  the  original  position  of 
the  previous  evening,  where,  during  the  night,  it  was  busily  employed  in 
throwing  up  breast-works,  being  compelled,  for  want  of  intrenching  tools, 

57 


to  use  bayonets  and  tin  plates.  During  the  early  part  of  the  following  day, 
the  enemy  shelled  the  line  at  intervals,  and  at  3  P.  M.  the  brigade  was 
again  ordered  to  advance,  the  regiment  moving  along  the  Fredericksburg 
Piank  Road,  and  forming  line  of  battle  in  the  woods,  where  the  enemy, 
concealed  from  view,  had  fortified.  Unable  to  move  him  from  his  position, 
the  brigade  fell  back,  and  at  5  o'clock  returned  to  the  breast-works,  reach 
ing  them  just  as  the  broken  troops  of  the  Eleventh  Corps  came  pouring 
in  from  the  extreme  right.  Geary's  Division  was  at  once  faced,  under  a 
heavy  artillery  fire,  to  meet  the  threatened  storm,  and  succeeded  in  holding 
its  position  until  10  on  the  morning  of  the  3d,  when  the  enemy,  having 
outflanked  it  on  the  right,  compelled  it  to  fall  back  to  a  second  line  of 
defense  which  had  been  taken  up,  more  contracted,  and  easily  held.  On 
the  6th  the  regiment  recrossed  the  river,  and  returned  to  its  camp  at 
Acquia.  On  the  pth,  the  term  of  service  having  expired,  it  was  relieved 
from  duty,  and  returned  to  Harrisburg,  where  it  was  mustered  out  of 
service. 


A  REMINISCENCE  OF  THE  WAR. 

AS  PUBLISHED  IN  THE  ''DELAWARE  COUNTY  AMERICAN,"  AUGUST 

13,    1862.      DESCRIBES  THE  RECRUITING  OF 

COMPANY  D,  OF  THE   I24TH. 

Captain  Yarnall's  Company. — In  our  last  we  noticed  that  a 
committee  of  young'  men,  some  of  the  leading  citizens  of  this  place, 
had  waited  upon  Sheriff  Yarnall  and  tendered  him  the  captaincy 
of  a  new  volunteer  company  which  they  were  forming-  for  nine 
months'  service.  We  were  then  unable  to  state  the  decision  of 
the  sheriff,  as  it  was  not  determined  upon  at  the  time  of  our  going 
to  press.  He  finally  accepted,  giving  the  duties  of  his  office  in 
the  hands  of  his  son,  the  only  one  remaining  of  a  sufficient  size, 
who  is  not  in  the  army,  and  on  Wednesday  afternoon  the  bills 
were  issued  from  this  office  giving  notice  of  the  fact  and  the  desire 
of  having  the  company  filled  immediately.  Recruiting  by  those 
who  had  brought  about  the  project  was  carried  on  with  an  earnest 
ness  through  the  week  never  before  excelled,  and  by  Saturday 
night  a  surplus  of  names  was  on  the  roll.  In  fact,  when  the  word 
first  went  out  that  a  company  of  the  character  specified  was  to  be 
got  up,  and  that  Sheriff  Yarnall  was  to  be  its  leader,  the  call  was 
answered  from  every  quarter  of  our  county,  with  a  spirit  which 
will  long  be  remembered  by  our  people,  and  it  was  at  once  demon- 

58 


strated,  practically  beyond  question,  that  the  tiling  was  a  success. 
As  the  name  was  enrolled,  each  man  was  made  to  understand  thai 
he  would  be  expected  to  be  at  the  Court  House  in  Media  on 
Monday,  to  be  sworn  in,  and  at  the  hour  specified,  ten  o'clock,  the 
building'  was  filled  with  young',  brave  and  willing  hearts,  ready 
to  join  solemnly  and  sincerely,  the  cause  of  their  country.  To 
keep  order  and  facilitate  the  object  designed  Hon.  Ed.  Darlington 
was  called  to  the  chair,  and  Joseph  G.  Cummins,  chosen  sec 
retary. 

Business  was  immediately  proceeded  with  by  calling  the  names 
upon  the  roll,  when  upwards  of  a  hundred  answered,  quite  a 
number  remaining  silent  from  the  fact  that  they  knew  there  w^ere 
more  than  enough,  and  of  the  excess  they  hoped  to  have  enough 
to  put  another  company  upon  such  a  basis  as  to  insure  its  com 
pletion  by  the  loth  inst.  How  many  names  they  received  we  did 
not  understand,  but  they  are  at  work  on  the  same  plan  as  Capt. 
Yarnall's  men  adopted.  Their  headquarters  is  at  the  Charter 
House,  in  Media,  where  all  necessary  information  can  be  obtained 
of  James  Barton,  Jr.,  one  of  the  members.  But  to  return  to  the 
proceedings  of  the  meeting.  The  proper  officer  not  being  present 
to  administer  the  oath,  it  was  stated  that  this  would  be  put  off 
until  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon.  Then  there  \vas  a  little  time 
for  speechifying,  and  the  large  audience  would  be  pleased  to 
listen.  Rev.  Mr.  Gracey  was  called  upon,  who  eulogized  the  great 
cause  in  which  we  were  engaged.  He  believed  the  present  war 
was  for  a  righteous  purpose,  and  thanked  God  that  he  lived  in  a 
community  so  full  of  patriotism  as  this.  Mr.  Jno.  M.  Broomall 
was  the  next  speaker.  He  said  that  he  was  a  conservative  and 
that  he  would  explain  what  he  meant  by  that  term.  It  was  the 
fulfillment  of  the  law  without  regard  to  consequences — crushing 
out  a  rebellion  wdiether  of  one  person  or  many — and  to  do  it 
in  the  present  instance  he  would  take  the  sword  in  one  hand  and 
the  fire  brand  in  the  other,  and  he  would  leave  no  foe  behind,  even 
if  the  result  was  extermination.  He  had  a  word  to  say  about 
parties.  There  wrere  t\vo  Governments  in  this  country,  and  those 
who  were  not  fully  committed  to  the  fortunes  of  the  one  at  Wash 
ington  \vere  for  the  one  at  Richmond,  and  those  who  seek  to 
detract  from  the  operations  of  the  former  \vere  worse,  far  worse, 
than  the  men  who  are  now7  engaged  in  murdering  our  fathers, 
sons  and  brothers ;  they  were  the  meanest  creatures  on  God's 

59 


footstool,  and  ought  to  be  hung  like  dogs,  every  one  of  them. 
If  they  succeeded  in  their  plans,  the  war  would  be  here  without 
a  doubt,  and  it  is  well  that  the  people  were  aware  of  this  fact. 
Dr.  Parrish  was  next  called.  We  have  only  room  to  allude  to 
his  remarks.  In  speaking  of  disloyalty  in  this  section,  he  related 
a  case  in  point.  A  lady  of  his  acquaintance,  in  seeking  aid  for 
the  sick  and  wounded  soldiers,  had  called  upon  a  man  in  Middle- 
town,  who  refused  to  give,  and  ordered  her  gruffly  to  go  to  the 
Black  Republicans,  as  he  had  nothing  to  give  in  such  a  cause. 
This  language  was  that  of  a  traitor.  We  are  in  possession  of  his 
name  and  we  would  not  be  surprised  if  he  is  visited  by  a  vigilance 
committee  before  many  days.  He  ought  to  have  the  oath  of 
allegiance  administered  to  him  at  once  or  be  sent  south. 

At  twelve  o'clock  the  meeting  adjourned,  when  the  volunteers 
dined  at  the  Charter  House,  where  dinner  had  been  expressly 
prepared  for  them.  Immediately  after  this  they  searched  for  a  man 
suspected  of  disloyalty  from  Middletown,  who  had  been  about  the 
borough  in  the  forenoon,  but  they  failed  to  find  him.  At  the 
hour  named  they  again  appeared  at  the  Court  House,  where  the 
oath  was  administered  by  William  McCormick,  Esq.,  of  Upper 
Darby,  and  the  company  christened  "Gideon's  Band."  I.  Law 
rence  Haldeman  was  chosen  as  ist  Lieutenant,  and  Joseph  Pratt, 
2(1.  Jos.  G.  Cummins  was  recommended  by  a  vote  of  the  company 
to  the  appointing  officers  as  ist  Sergeant.  A  sword  was  then 
presented  to  the  Captain  by  John  M.  Broomall,  on  behalf  of  the 
citizens,  in  an  appropriate  address.  The  scene  will  long  be  remem 
bered  in  Media.  It  was  one  of  great  solemnity  and  earnestness. 
The  reply  of  Mr.  Yarnall  elicited  the  admiration  and  applause  of 
all  present.  He  was  willing  to  devote  his  life  and  all  he  had  to 
his  country — that  sword  should  never  be  sheathed  as  long  as  we 
were  assailed  by  foes  from  within  or  without. 

This  company,  with  Captain  Litzenberg's,  which  is  also  filled, 
will  go  into  camp  at  Harrisburg  this  week. 

Sheriff  Yarnall  preached  in  the  Media  M.  E.  Church,  on  Sun 
day  morning  last,  for  the  last  time,  for  awhile,  at  least,  and 
perhaps  forever.  That  he  may  return  amongst  us  unscathed  and 
unharmed  are  the  sincere  wishes  of  his  fellow-citizens. 


ROSTER 

OF  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FOURTH  REGIMENT, 
PENNSYLVANIA  VOLUNTEER  INFANTRY. 

AS    RECORDED   IN    BATES*    HISTORY   OF   THE    WAR. 

The  *  indicates  deaths  on  record  to  April  i,  1907.  Those  not  otherwise 
accounted  for  in  column  of  remarks  were  mustered  out  with  the  regiment 
when  term  of  service  expired. 


FIELD   AND   STAFF   OFFICERS. 


NAMR 

RANK 

REMARKS. 

Joseph  \V.   Hawley 

Colone 

Promoted  from  Captain  company  A,  Aug.  16, 

1862  —  Wounded  at  Antietam  —  mustered  out 

with  regiment,  May  17,  1863. 

*3imon  Litzenberg.. 

Lt.  Col 

Promoted  from  Captain  company  B,  Aug.  16, 

1862  —  mustered  out  with  reg't,  May  17,  1863. 

*I.  Law.  Haldeman.. 

.Major. 

Promoted  from  ist  Lieut,  company  D,  Aug.  16, 

1862  —  mustered  out  with  reg't,  May  17,  1863. 

*J.  Carpenter  Worth 

..Adj... 

Promoted  from  ist  Lieut,  company  C,  Aug.  23, 

1862  —  mustered  out  with  reg't,  May  17,  1863. 

*George  Malin,  Jr.... 

..Q.M.. 

Promoted  from  Corporal  company  A,  Oct.  30, 

1862  —  mustered  out  with  reg't,  May  17,  1863. 

C.  W.  Houghton  

.Surg.. 

Promoted  fromAss't  Surg.  gist  reg't  P.  V.,  Sept. 

15,  1862  —  mustered  out  with  reg't  May  17,  '63. 

Joseph  R.  Martin... 

As.Sur. 

Mustered  out  with  reg't,  May  17,  1863. 

*Theodore  J.  Jung  

..do.... 

Mustered  out  with  reg't,  May  17,  1863. 

Ab'm  Harshberger.. 

..do.... 

Promoted  to  Surg.  i66th  reg.  P.D.M.,  Dec.  5,  '62. 

Joseph  S.  Evans  

Chap'n 

Resigned  Jan.  9,  1863. 

John  Haines  Long... 

Sr.Maj. 

Promoted  from  Sergeant  company  F,  Aug.  25, 

1862  —  mustered  out  with  reg't,  May  17,  1863. 

Jesse  Taggart  

Q.M.Sr 

Promoted  from  Sergeant  company  G,  Aug.  25, 

1862  —  mustered  out  with  reg't,  May  17,  1863. 

Wm.  Pusey  West... 

Com.Sr 

3romoted  from  Sergeant  company  H,  Sept.  i, 

1862  —  mustered  out  with  reg't,  May  17,  1863. 

T.  Benton  Aitken... 

Hos.St. 

Mustered  out  with  reg't,  May  17,  1863. 

*  Deceased. 

61 


Co.   A. 


Joseph  W.  Havvley.. 

Captain 

*  Allen  M.  Davis  

...do.... 

*Charles  W.  Roberts. 

...do.... 

*Samuel  G.  Smith.... 

.ist  Lt. 

*John   \    Groff 

2d  L,t.. 

*Isaac  Finch  

...do.... 

JohnM.  Windle  

istSg.. 

*  Edward  White 

Scnj't 

*John  J.  Glisson  

& 
...do.... 

*Jos.  N.  Woodward... 

...do.... 

David  H.  Steitler.... 

...do.... 

Joseph  Davis  

.Corp.. 

'*Henry  B.  Wynn  

^   c 

...do.... 

*Wm.  S.  Wetherall... 

...do.... 

*Albauos  H.  Bicking 

...do.... 

*Jacob  H.  Way  

...do.... 

*  Powell  Baily  

...do.... 

Richard  F.  Hill 

do.. 

*Samuel  B.  Smiley... 

...do.... 

William  R.  Thomas 

...do.... 

David  S.  Wilkinson 

...do.... 

*George  Malin,Jr  

...do.... 

Ringgold  Carman... 

..Muc. 

Artes  James 

Pri  Vcttc 

*Baily,  William  H... 

...do.... 

*Bentley,  William  H. 

...do.... 

*Baldwin,  Eli  H  

...do.... 

Byers,   Samuel  

...do.... 

Bond,  Harmon  G.... 

...do.... 

*Brown,  Townsend... 

...do.... 

Chambers,  John  F... 

...do.... 

Carman,  John  L  

...do.... 

*Collier,  William  H.. 

...do.... 

*Collier,  Hosea  A  

...do.... 

Davis,  Edward  G.... 

...do.... 

*Durnell,  Wesley  

...do.... 

Epright,  William.... 

...do.... 

Emery,  Samuel  B... 

...do.... 

Ford,  Rufus  D  

...do.... 

*Farra,  Lewis  

...do.... 

*Faust,  Daniel  H  

...do.... 

Farren,  George  

...do.... 

*Gill,  Andrew  J  

...do.... 

Griffith,  Evan  

...do.... 

Glisson,  Wilmer  W. 

...do.... 

Hawley,  Bernard  

..do.... 

Henderson,  Alex  

..do.... 

Hanley,  Edward  B.. 

..do.... 

Heck,  Edwin  

..do.... 

Promoted  to  Colonel,  Aug.  16,  1862. 

Promoted  from  istLt.,  Aug.  16,  1862 — discharg 
ed  on  Surgeon's  certificate,  Feb.  17,  1863. 

Promoted  from  2d  to  ist  Lt. ,  Aug.  16,  i  62 — to 
Captain,  Feb.  17,  1863. 

Promoted  from  ist  Sgt.  to  rd  Lt.,  Oct.  20,  1862 
—to  ist  Lt.,  Feb.  17,  1863. 

Promoted  from  Sgt.  to  ist  Sgt.,  Oct.  20,  1862 
—to  2d  Lt.,  Feb.  17,  1863. 

Promoted  from  Sergeant,  Aug.  16,  1862— died 
Oct.  20,  of  wds.  received  at  Antietam. 

Promoted  from  Sergeant,  Feb.  17,  1863. 

Promoted  from  Corporal,  Aug.  16,  186  :. 

Promoted  from  Corporal,  Oct.  2~,  1^62. 
Promoted  from  Corporal,  Feb.  17,  1863. 


Promoted  to  Corporal,  Oct.  20,  1862. 
Promoted  to  Corporal,  Oct.  30,  1862. 
Promoted  to  Corporal,  Jan.  I,  1863. 
Promoted  to  Corporal,  Feb.  17,  1863. 
Promoted  to  Corporal,  Feb.  17,  1863. 
Promoted  to  Corporal,  Feb.  17,  1863. 
Disch'gdon  Surgeon's  certificate,  Dec.  18,  1862. 
Disch'gdon  Surgeon's  certificate,  Nov.  15,  1^62. 
Promoted  to  Quartermaster,  Oct.,  30,  1862. 


Disch'gdon  Surgeon's  certificate,  Mar.  31,  1863. 


Died  Oct.  22,  of  wounds  received  at  Antietam. 


Disch'gdon  Surgeon's  certificate,  Mar.  13,  1863. 

Wounded  Jan.  10,  1863. 

Disch'gdon  Surgeon's  certificate,  Dec.  18,  1862. 


62 


Co.  A — Continued. 


Harp,  William  H.... 

Hoober,  John 

Hall,  Lewis  R, 

Hill,  Charles  C 

*Hartmati,  Morgan... 
*Hughes,  Joseph. 

John,  Edwin  B 

Jester,  John  F :... 

*Johnson,  Win.  H 

Jones  John 

Kamerer,  Henry  M 

Lamborn,  F.  H 

Law,  Robert  C 

'  Lloyd,  John  L 

*  Morris,  Joseph  H.... 
Morgan,  John 

*  Mullen,  Alfred 

Mercer,  Joseph  \V.. 

*M'Farland,  Geo.  W 

Nichols,  Lewis  B.... 

Patterson,  Chas,  D. 

Pratt,  John  R 

*Peart,  Roland  M.... 
*Peirce,  Joseph  T.... 

Peirce,  Win.  H.  H... 

Pickhaver,  Win.  B.. 
*Pinkerton,  M.  H...... 

*Rambo,  Thomas 

Reynolds,  Sam'l  B.. 

Rushton,  Charles  P. 
*Rickord,  Leonard  V 

Rodenbaugh,  W.  L. 
*Stott,  Jacob  vS 

Stamp,  William 

*Speakman,  James... 

Steele,  Canby  S 

Steitler,  George  J... 

Steitler,  William  D. 

Sullivan,  John 

*Strong,  Edward 

Smith,  Acker 

*Thorn,  Samuel  R.... 

Tyson,  George  W7... 

Thompson,  Henry  B 
*Treen,  Charles  W... 

Terry,  Edwin  F 

*Valentine,  Jonathan 
*  Walker,  Plumer  E... 

Wilson,  William  G.. 

Walker,  John  W 

Wagner,  Wm.  H 

Yoder,  John 


Privat 
...do... 
...do... 
...do... 
...dc... 
do.. 
...do... 

..do... 

..do... 
...do... 
...do... 
...dj... 
...do... 
...do... 
...do... 
...do... 
...do... 
...do... 
...do... 
...do... 
...do... 
...do... 
...do... 

..do... 
..do... 
..do... 
..do..., 
..do..., 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do... 


Died  at  Harper's  Ferry,  Va. ,  Oct.  23,  1862. 
Deserted  Nov.  10,  1862. 


Disch'gd  on  Surgeon's  certificate,  Mar.  9,  1863. 
Wounded  at  Autietam. 


Died  at  Acquia  Creek,  Va.,  April  5,  1863. 


Disch'gd  on  Surgeon's  certificate,  Dec.  20, 186: 


Msch'gd  on  Surgeon's  certificate,  Mar.  9,  1863. 
iissed  in  action  at  Chancellorsville,  Va. 


)ied  Oct.  20,  of  wounds  received  at  Antietam. 


*  Deceased. 


Co.    B. 


*Simon  Litzenberg... 
*John  Woodcock  
*Ralph  Buckley  

Captain 
...do.... 
.ist  Lt. 

Wm.  H.  Litzenberg 
R.  T.  Williams  
*Alex.  E.  Crozier  
James  Carrick  

.2dLt.. 

ist  Sgt. 
Serg't. 
..do.... 

George  Fildes  

John  Shaw  
*Daniel  Crowder  
*John  B.  Silbey  
William  Major  
*Edwin  Bouden  
Lewis  P.  Watkins... 
John  B.  Trainor  
^Joseph  M'Coy  

...do.... 

...do.... 
.Corp.. 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 

*John  Ash  worth  
*Thomas  H.  Kay  
*Israel  L.  Thomas  
*George  Heath  
*  Albert  M.  Neal  

Ay  res,  George  W... 
Abernathy,  R.  Jas... 
Baggs,  John  

...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
..Muc.. 
...do.... 

Private 
...do.... 
do.... 

Barlow  ,  Jacob  

do.... 

Blakely,  Edwin...... 
*Byre,  Jerome  

...do.... 
do.... 

Brensinger,  Jos.  H.. 
Broadbent,  Chas.  W. 
Brands,  Peter  
*Brewster,  Wm  
Brewster,  Abraham. 
*Baggs,  William  
*Barlow,  Joseph  
*Cooper,  Edward  
*Chambers,  Thomas- 
Creamer,  Charles.... 
Dobbins,  Wm.  A  

...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do  — 
...do  — 
...do.... 
...do.... 

Button,  Thomas  H.. 
Daniels,  Wm.  E  
Doran,  John  M.  T... 
*Ed  wards,  Elmer  
Fitzgerald,  Michael. 
*Farra,  Wm.  B  
Fildes,  John  

...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 

Fryer,  John  
Greenwood,  Samuel 
*Green,  Morris  

...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 

Herron,  Thomas  J... 
Hill,  Thomas  
Henry,  William  
Hiyer,  Hiram  
Hizer,  Wm.  H  

...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
..do.... 

Promoted  to  Lieutenant  Colonel,  Aug.  16, 1862. 
Promoted  from  ist  Lieutenant,  Aug.  16,  1862 
Promoted  from  2d  Lieutenant,  Aug.  16,  1862. 
Promoted  from  ist  Sergeant,  Aug.  16,  1862. 
Promoted  from  Sergeant,  Aug.  16,  1862. 
Promoted  from  Corporal,  Aug.  16,  186:. 


Promoted  from  private,  Oct.  10, 1862 — wounded 
at  Chancellorsville. 


Promoted  to  Corporal,  Aug.  16,  1862. 
Promoted  to  Corporal,  Dec.  6,  1862. 


Promoted  to  Corporal,  Mar.  10,  1863. 
Promoted  to  Corporal,  Mar.  28,  1863. 
Disch'gdon  Surgeon's  certificate,  Mar.  28,  1863. 
Disch'gd  on  Surgeon's  certificate,  Mar.  10,  1863. 
Disch'gd  on  Surgeon's  certificate,  Apr.  16,  1863. 
Disch'gdon  Surgeon's  certificate,  Dec.  31, 1862. 


Wounded  at  Antietam. 
Wounded  at  Chancellorsville. 


Killed  at  Antietam,  Sept.  17,  1862. 


Disch'gd  on  Surgeon's  certificate,  Feb.  28, 1863. 


Disch'gd  on  Surgeon's  certificate,  Jan.  16,  1863. 
Deserted  Aug.  14,  1862. 

Deserted  Sept.  17,  1862. 


Co.  B — Continued. 


^Henderson,  Wm.  H 

Henderson,  John  L 

Hormatt,  George. 
*Hunter,   Abram 

Hoofstitler,  John.... 

Haas,  Wm.  H 

Hackman,  Henry.. 

Johnson,  Joseph  S.. 

Johnson,  Wm.  H.... 
*Kinkade,  Andrew.. 

*Kelley,  Gardner 

*Kugler,  S.  Crawford 
*Kents,  Thomas  W.. 
*Kay,  Edward 

Ivomax,  Thomas 

L,omax,  Matthew... 

Logan,  James 

Leib,  John  A 

*L,amy,  William 

*L,ear,  Rufus  K 

Major,  John 

Marshman,  Chand.. 

Martin,  Minshall... 

Melloa,  Jonas 

*Makin,  James 

M'Conville,  Arthur. 

Nicholson,  William 
*Paist,  Jesse  W 

Patterson,  John 

Pyott,  Richard 

Pilling,  Thomas 

Robinson,  George... 

Roebuck,  Alfred 

Sipler,  Edward  D... 
*Shillingford,Geo.H. 

Schofield,  John 

Shaw,   Henry 

Stirk,  Samuel 

Squibb,  Samuel 

Shermik,  George.... 

Taylor,  William 

Toomes,  James 

Toomes,  Richard.... 
*Trainor,  James 

Wilkinson,  John  J . . . 

Walraven ,  Benj 

Worrell,  Edward 

*  Waddle,  Joseph 

Young,  Frederick... 
*Yates,  Enos 


Privat< 
...do... 
...do... 
...do... 
...do... 
...do... 
...do... 
...do... 
...do... 
...do... 
...do... 
..do... 
..do... 
..do... 
..do... 
..do... 
..do... 
..do... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do..  . 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do — 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do... 


Missed  in  action  at  Chancellorsville. 


Disch'gdon  Surgeon's  certificate,  Nov.  5,  1862. 
Died  at  Washington,  D,  C.,  Jan.  20,  1863. 


Died  at  Harper's  Ferry,  Nov.  24,  1862. 
Deserted  Nov.  28,  1862. 


Died  Mar.  i,  1863,  at  Washington,  D.  C. 


*  Deceased. 


Co.    C. 


*James  B.  Whitcraft. 

Captain 

*J.  Carpenter  Worth. 

.ist  Lt. 

*Wm.  C.  Dickey 

...do.... 

*Levi  Crowl.        

.2dLt. 

*J.  Frank  Bowman... 

ist  Sgt. 

*Francis  P.  Andrews. 

Serg't. 

Jacob  Z.  Webb  

...do.... 

George  G.  Taylor. 

...do.... 

*Jokn  M.  Rhoads  

...do.... 

*Samuel  B.  Walton.. 

.Corp.. 

*Charles  W.  Wilson. 

...do.... 

*Jas.  H.  Brooruell  

...do.... 

*Thomas  Dil  worth... 

...do.... 

*John  A.  Smith  

do.... 

John  M.  Irvin  

...do.... 

*Wm.  A.  Fleming.... 

...do.... 

*John  T.  Broadway... 

...do.... 

*Thomas  W.  Riday... 

...do.... 

*EliGatchell  

...do.... 

*H.  W.  Livingston... 

.Muc.. 

Beverly  J.  Gause  

...do.... 

Aiken  ,  James  C  

Private 

Bowers,  Thomas  

...do.... 

*Booth,  Joshua  M  — 

...do.... 

*Benderman,  T.  J  

..do.... 

Bayard,  George  F... 

...do.... 

Brown,  Thomas  

...do.... 

*Broomell,  Wm.  C 

...do.... 

Baker   George  L,.... 

do.... 

*Bates,  William  

...do.... 

*Brown,  John  M  

...do.... 

Coates,  Samuel  

...do.... 

*Cowan,  Richard  F... 

...do.... 

*Cole,  Amos  

...do.... 

*Cooper,  Thomas  L... 

..do.... 

Corkadale,  Geo.  F... 

..do.... 

Crossley,  Henry  

..do.... 

Cooper,  Lewis  R  

..do.... 

*Campbell,  Robert  H 

..do.... 

Campbell,  John  C... 
Cumins,  Thos.  W... 

..do.... 
..do.... 

Craig,  William  B.... 

..do.... 

Cresswell,  Sam'l  W. 

..do.... 

Coleman  ,  Joseph  

..do.... 

*Deever,  Lewis  G  

..do.... 

*Dickey,  Samuel  H.. 

..do.... 

Dilworth,  Rich'd  B. 

..do.... 

*Fuller,  James  R  

..do.... 

*  Ford,  James  

..do.... 

Garretty,  Daniel  

..do.... 

Garver,  Samuel  H  .  .  . 

..do.... 

Greenfield,  Joel  S... 

..do.... 

Greenfield,  John  H. 

..do.... 

Gyles,  EbenezerT... 

..do.... 

Promoted  to  Adjutant,  Aug.  23,  1862. 
Promoted  from  2d  Lieutenant,  Aug.  23,  1862. 


Promoted  to  Corporal,  May  6,  1863. 

Promoted  to  Corporal,  May  6,  1862. 
Disch'gdon  Surgeon's  certificate,  Apr.  10,  1863. 
Killed  at  Antietam,  Sept.  17,  1862. 


Disch'gdon  Surgeon's  certificate,  Dec.  12,  1862. 
Disch'gdon  Surgeon, s certificate,  Feb.  i,  1863. 


66 


Co.  C — Continued. 


Gyles,  William  G.. 
*Hayes,  Gibbons 

Hughes,  Joshua 

*Hardee,  Caleb  P.... 
*Iford,  William 

Jones,   Richard 

Kirk,  David  E 

^Kennedy,  Amos 

*  Lynch,  James,  Jr... 

Leek,  John  A 

Law,  Henry  H 

*Messimer,  John  B.. 

Mershon,  John  H... 

M' Donald,  David... 

M' Garten,  Sam'l  H. 

M'Cullough,  W.  R. 
*M' Donald,  Richard. 
*M'Fadien,  Thomas.. 

M'Fadien,  John  R... 

M'Clurg,  James  H... 

M'Clurg,  Daniel  H. 

M'Laughlin,  Corn.. 
*M'Iritire,  John  T.... 

M'Clean,  Allen 

M'Intyre,  John  P.... 

*Newell,  John  K 

*Pugh,  Townsend.... 
*Pearson,  William.... 

Pearson.  David  T.... 

Price,  William  H.... 

Powell,   Allen 

Rupert,  John  A 

Rigdon,  Charles  H.. 
*Robinson,  Alex'r.... 

Reyburn,  Geo.  W... 

*Rigg,  Peter  C 

*Spear,  Charles J 

Sho waiter,  Jos.  M... 
*Smith,  William  T... 

*Stevens,  Wm.  H 

*Thomas,  Lambdon.. 

Taylor,  John  L 

Worth,  W.  Harrison 
*\Voodside,  Robt.  G. 
*Winger,  Bernard.... 

Walker,   Samuel 

Webster,  Alfred 

Williamson,  James.. 


Private 

...do... 

...do... 

...do... 

...do... 

...do... 

...do.... 

...do... 

..do... 

..do... 


.do. 
.do., 
.do., 
.do., 
.do., 
.do., 
.do., 
.do., 
.do., 
.do., 
.do., 
.do., 
.do., 
.do., 
.do., 
.do., 
.do., 
.do., 
.do., 
.do., 
.do.. 


Disch'gdon  Surgeon's  certificate,  Jan,  10,  1863. 
Died  at  Washington,  Sept.  21,  1862. 


Deserted  Dec.  n,  1862. 


.do., 

.do.. 

.do.. 

.do.. 

.do.. 

.do.. 

.do.. 

.do.. 

.do.. 

.do.... 

.do —  Disch'gdon  Surgeon's  certificate,  Jan.  25,  1863. 

.do., 

.do. 

.do. 

.do. 

.do. 

.do. 


Died  at  Washington,  Feb.  I,  1863. 

Disch'gdon  Surgeon's  certificate,  Oct.  4,  1862. 
billed  at  Antietam,  Sept.  17,  1862. 


Wounded  at  Chancellorsville,  May  3,  1863. 


Deceased. 

ERRATA. 

William  Pearson  should  be  William  H.  Pierson. 
Thos.  McFadien  should  be  Thos.  McFadden. 
John  R.  McFadien  should  be  John  R.  McFadden. 


Co.    D. 


*Norris  L.  Yarnall.... 

Captain 

*I.  Law.  Haldeman... 

.ist  Lt. 

Joseph  Pratt  

...do.... 

*Jos.  G.  Cummins-... 

.2dLt.. 

*C.  D.  M.  Broomhall. 

ist  Sgt. 

John  Frank  Black... 

Serg't. 

Wni.  B.  Broomall... 

...do.... 

*Benjamin  Brooke.... 

...do.... 

*Benjamin  T.  Green.. 

...do.... 

Frederick  Eckfeldt 

...do.... 

*Edward  W.  Lewis... 

.Corp.. 

W.  J.  MacPherson... 

...do.... 

*W.  Wayne  Vogdes.. 

...do.... 

William  H.  Beatty... 

...do.... 

*David  W   Eyre 

..do.... 

William  T.  Innis,  Jr. 

...do.... 

John  F.  Worrelton... 

...do.... 

Joel  Hollingsworth.. 

...do.... 

*JosephJ.  Hall  

...do.... 

"*James  Crozier 

do.... 

*Wm.  H.  Howard  

..Muc.. 

*H.  W.  Williamson 

do.... 

*Aitken,  James  B  

Private 

Brooke,  Hunter. 

do.... 

Boker,  Samuel  

...do.... 

Brin  ton,  Joseph  A... 

...do.... 

Blazier,  Stephen  M. 

...do.... 

Black,  Harry  H  

...do.... 

*Batting,  William  

...do.... 

*Baker,  Cvrus  

...do.... 

*Bittle,  William  L 

.  do.... 

Bradburv,  David  

...do  — 

*Baker,  Daniel  B 

..do.  ... 

*Cheetham,  James.... 

...do.... 

Cummins,  Ric'd  R.. 

...do.... 

Cowan,  George  W... 

...do.... 

*Cochran,  John  R  

...do.... 

Crouse,  Michael  

...do.... 

*Davis,  Lorenzo  F.... 

...do.... 

Darlington,  Jessejr. 

...do.... 

*  Doughty.  James  

...do.... 

*  Davidson,  Wm.  G... 

...do.... 

*Duey,  Harry  R  

...do.... 

Darlington,  Jesse  

...do.... 

*Eckfeldt,  Elias  

...do.... 

*Esben,  William  Y... 

...do.... 

Esry,  Charles  J  

...do.... 

Fairlamb,  Salkeld  L 

...do.... 

*Fry  er  .  Jabez  F  

...do.... 

Flounders,  Isaac  N.. 

...do.... 

*Ford,  Milton  

...do.... 

Fields,  Thomas  

...do.... 

*Fielding,  Anderson. 

...do.... 

Promoted  to  Major,  Aug.  16,  1862. 
Promoted  from  2d  to  ist  Lieut.,  Aug.  16,  i  62. 
Promoted  from  ist  Sergeant,  Aug.  16,  1862. 
Promoted  from  Sergeant,  Aug.  16,  1862. 


Promoted  from  Corporal,  Nov.  i,  1862. 
Disch'gd  on  Surgeon's  certificate,  Jan.  19,  1863 
Promoted  to  Corporal,  Aug.  16,  1862. 
Promoted  to  Corporal,  Aug.  16,  1862. 
Promoted  to  Corporal,  Aug.  16,  1862. 
Promoted  to  Corporal,  Aug.  16,  1862. 
Promoted  to  Corporal,  Oct.  2,  1862. 
Promoted  to  Corporal,  Oct.  2,  1862 — wounded 

at  Chancellorsville. 
Promoted  to  Corporal,  Oct.  2,  1862. 
Promoted  to  Corporal,  Nov.  i,  1862. 
Disch'gd  on  Surgeon's  certificate,  Jan.  15,  1863. 
Died  Sept.  21,  of  wounds  received  at  Antietam. 

Died  at  Stafford  C.  H.,  Va.,  Feb.  8,  1863. 
Died  at  Bolivar  Heights,  Va.,  Oct.  27,  1862 


Wounded  at  Antietam. 

Disch'gd  on  Surgeon's  certificate,  Feb.  5, 1863. 

Disch'gd  on  Surgeon's  certificate,  Mar.  21,  1863. 


Missed  in  action  at  Antietam. 


68 


Co.  D — Continued. 


Grimm ,  John  L 

Gamble,  William.... 

Garrett,  William  H. 

Gardner,  George  W. 

Green,  Edward  B.... 
*Henderson,  John  H. 

Howarth,  Wm.  G... 
*Heyburn,  BrintonJ. 

*Haws,  Andrew  J 

*Hannum,  AlferdJ... 

Howard,  John  D 

Heacock,  James  H.. 
*Hoopes,  William  H. 

Hance,  Thomas,  Jr.. 
*Heyburn,  William... 
*Johnson,  Philip  R... 

*  Jackson,  Edward 

*King,  Rufus 

*L,ongmire,  N.  C 

*L,inton,  James  D 

Miller,  George  D 

Moore,  Charles 

Martin,  William  L... 
*Moore,  James,  Jr 

Millson,  Millsoii  L.. 

*Newsom,  James 

*Pike,  Casper 

*Passmore,  Rich 'd  A. 
*Price,  Caleb  T 

Pugh, John 

*Palmer,  Samuel  H... 

Paulding,  Henry 

*Palmer,  John 

*Pyle,  John  M 

*R"ichards,  Jacob  B... 
*Slack,  Menanda 

Stackhouse,  Penel... 
^Springer,  George  F. 
*Sorber,  James  C 

Smith,  Stephen 

Smith,  Mifflin  W.... 

Thomas,  Benj.  F 

Wells,  Walker  Y 

Waters,  James 

*  Watson,  Joel  E 

Watkins,  Chas.  W... 
Warburton,  Henry.. 
Wall,  Christian  A... 


Private 

do. 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 

..do.... 

..do.... 

..do.... 

..do.... 

..do.... 

..do... 


.do. 
.do. 
.do. 
.do. 
.do. 
.do. 
.do. 
.do. 
.do. 
.do. 
.do. 


.do. 
.do. 
.do. 
.do. 
.do. 
.do. 
.do. 
.do. 
.do. 
.do. 
.do. 
.do. 
.do. 
.do. 
.do. 
.do. 
.do. 
.do. 
.do. 
.do. 
.do. 
.do. 
.do. 
.do. 
.do. 
.do. 


Died  Mar.  12,  1863. 

Wounded  at  Chancellorsville,  May  3,  1863. 


Wounded  at  Antietam. 


Died  Oct.  27,  1862. 


*  Deceased. 

ERRATA. 

John  F.  Worrelton  should  be  John  F.  Worrilow. 
John  L.  Grimm  should  be  John  L.  Grim. 
Casper  Pike  should  be  Casner  Pike. 
James  Newsom    should  be  James  Newsome. 
Stephen  Smith  should  be  Stephen  T.  Smith 
Penel  Stackhouse  should  be  Pennell  Stackhouse 


69 


Co.    E 


*  Ed  win  Otley  

Captain 

*Rich.  D.  Townsend. 

...do.-... 

*  \Villiam  Lvnch 

.  ist  Lt. 

Josiah  Burnett  

...do.... 

Thos.  J.  Townsend.. 

.2dLt.. 

William  H.  Burns.. 

ISt  SgL. 

Sam'lJ.  Thompson. 

Serg't. 

*\Villiam  Rodgers  

...do.... 

William  Otlev  

...do  

*Willia:n  Keech  

...do.... 

David  K.  Pierce  

.Corp.. 

*  Franklin  Frame  

...do.... 

*John  G.  Hoopes  

...do.... 

William  Moulder  

...do.... 

William  Auld  

...do.... 

George  F.  Baily  

...do.... 

'-Thomas  W.  Taylor.. 

...do.... 

"^Andrew  Johnson  

...do.... 

-"'Thomas  S.  Foster.... 

.Muc.. 

Barton,  Joseph  

Private 

"*Bonner,  James  

..do.... 

Brown,  Moses  M  

...do.... 

*Chatnberlm,  Palmei 

...do.... 

*Copeland,  Elias  W.. 

...do.... 

*Cox,  David  

...do.... 

*Conway  ,  Thomas  

..do.... 

*Coopef,  Clement  

..do.... 

^Cunningham,  Wm... 

..do.... 

*Davis,  Henry  M  

..do.... 

*Dil  worth,  Chas.  H.. 

...do  — 

Dugan,  Michael  

...do.... 

*Epright,  JohnJ  
*Entrican,  James  

...do.... 
...do.... 

Ferrell,  John  W  

..do.... 

Ford,  Peter 

do. 

Foreman,  George  B. 

..do.... 

*  Frame,  Isaac  T  

..do.... 

*Farra,  George  D  

..do.... 

Frame,  Gibbons  

..do.... 

Griffith,  Ezekiel  R.. 

..do.... 

Griffith,  FernandoJ. 

..do.... 

Gutley,  Joseph  

..do.... 

^Greenfield,  Jesse  

..do.... 

Harvey,  Isaac  L  

..do.... 

Hall,  Joseph  W  

..do.... 

Hampton,  Joseph  

..do.... 

Hanna,  William  H.. 

..do.... 

*Hoffman,  Thomas  R. 

..do.... 

Harlan,  Edward  T... 

..do.... 

*Howarth,  Nathaniel 

..do.... 

*Henthorne,  Isaac.... 

..do.... 

Disch'gdon  Surgeon's  certificate,  Oct.  31,  1862. 
Promoted  from  2d  to  ist  Lieut.,  Sept.  15,  1862 — 

to  Captain  Oct.  31,  1862. 

Disch'gdon  Surgeon's  certificate,  Sept.  15,  1862. 
Promoted  from  ist  Sgt.  to  2d  Lt.,  Oct.  17,  1862 

—to  istLt.,  Oct.  31,  1862. 
Promoted  from  Sgt.  to  ist  Sgt.,  Oct.  17,  1862 

—to  2d  Lt.,  Oct.  31,  1862. 
Promoted  from  Sergeant,  Oct.  31,  1862. 


Promoted  to  Corporal,  Oct.  17,  1862.  —  wounded 

at  Chancellorsville,  May  3,  1863. 
Promoted  to  Corporal,  Oct.  31,  1862. 


Promoted  to  Corporal,  Oct.  17,  1862. 
Promoted  to  Corporal,  Oct.  17,  1862. 
Promoted  to  Corporal,  Oct.  31,  1862. 


Died  at  Washington,  D.  C.,  Mar.  i,  1863. 


Disch'gd  on  Surgeon's  certificate,  Dec.  9,  1862. 
Diech'gd  on  Surgeon's  certificate,  Dec.  9,  1862. 


Died  at  Alexandria,  Va,,  Jan.  25,  1863. 


Died  at  Alexandria,  Va.,  Dec.  29,  1862. 


70 


Co.  E — Contained. 


Ingram,  Frederick., 
*Jester,  Vincent 

Jefferson,  William.. 

Johnson,  S.  S 

Kearns,  Chas.  S 

Kitzelnian,  Chas.  H 

*King,  Temple 

*Mealey,  James 

*Mercer,  Thomas  B.. 

Mercer,  William.... 

Mendenhall,  Clark. 
*Miles,  Emmor 

Moulder,  David 

Marrion,  Peter 

Mullen,  John 

*: VI 'Fall,  Franklin... 
*M'Collough,  Chas.. 

M'Fadden, Jacob E. 

M'Nelly,  Jesse  K.... 

M'Fadden,  Joseph.. 

M'Connathy,  Dan'l. 

Nethery,  Byard  B.... 
*O  'Neil,  James 

Patterson,  Frazier.... 

Patterson,  Oliver  R. 

Pierce,  Jonathan 

*Passmore,  Jones  R... 

Rox,  Joseph 

Rumer,  Wm.  H 

Roberts,  Jehu 

Robb,  James 

*3ourmilk,  Valent'e.. 

*Starr,  Samuel 

*Talley,  Emmor  L — 
*Thorn,  Henry 

Thompson,  Geo.  M. 

Townsend,  Wm 

Tucker,  Francis 

Taylor,  Joseph  B 

*Taylor,  Chalkley 

Vi  ncent,  L,e  vi 

*Whitcraft,  John  G.... 

*Williams,  Henry 

Dwindle,  Taylor/. 

*Wilson,  James 

Williamson,  Morris. 

*  Wood  ward,  Ryle 

*Worth ,  Joseph 

Williamson,  C.  C.... 

Young,  Isaac 


Prirat' 
...do... 
...do... 
do... 
...do... 
...do... 
...do... 
...do... 
...do... 
...do... 
..do... 
..do... 
..do... 
..do... 
..do... 
..do... 
..do... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
.do... 


Died  at  Harper's  Ferry,  Nov.  29,  1862. 


Disch'gdon  Surgeon's  certificate,  Jan,  25,  1863. 
Deserted  Sept.  17,  1862. 


Missed  in  action  at  Chancellorsville. 

Missed  in  action  at  Antietam. 
Deserted  Sept.  17,  1862. 


Deserted  Sept.  17,  1862. 


Disch'gdon  Surgeon's  certificate,  Jan.  13,  1863. 
Deserted  Dec.  10,  1862. 


Disch'gd  on  Surgeon's  certificate,  Mar.  9,  1863. 
Died  at  Stafford  C.  H.,  Va.,  Feb.  28,  1863. 


)isch'gdon  Surgeon's  certificate,  Jan.  29,  1863. 
deserted  Dec.  10,  1862. 


*  Deceased. 

ERRATA. 

William  Moulder  should  be  Wilmer  Moulder. 
Joseph  Gutley  should  be  Joseph  Girtley. 
David  Moulder  should  be  Davis  Moulder. 
.Ryle  Woodward  should  be  Pyle  Woodward. 


Co.    P. 


*Frank  Crosby 

Captain 

*James  A.  Eicholtz.... 
Wm.  D.  Christman.. 
W.  H.  Whitchead... 
^Stephen  Blatchford. 
Geo.  R.  Maxton  
Wm.  B.  Bunker  
*James  Keech  

...do.... 
.ist  Lt. 
.2dLt.. 
ist  Sgt. 
Serg't. 
...do.... 
...do.... 

*Jeliu  Brooke  

.  do.... 

Wm.  W.  Potts  
*  William  Gratz  

...do.... 
...do.... 

J.  Haines  Long  
Patrick  Be  ~igen  

...do,... 
.  Corp.. 

*Wm.  P.  Stephenson. 
*Thomas  T.  Smith.  .  .  . 
William  Williams... 
Richard  Mercer  
Reuben  M.  Mercer.. 
*Joseph  P.  Way  

...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 

*J.  Albert  Milner  
*James  Maitland  
Joseph  W.  Martin... 

*  Allison,  Joseph  F.... 
*Bedlow,  John  
Bailey,  Mifflin  W... 
*Bailey    Reese  M 

...do.... 
...do.... 
..Muc. 

Private 
...do.... 
...do.... 
do 

Baldwin,  John  S  

do.... 

Battin   Wm.  H 

do 

Beatty,  Andrew  H.. 
Bride,  Robert  
*Brubaker,  Abraham. 
*Burnett,  Cvrus  J  
*Bush,  William  H  
Bloom,  Ingram  P.... 
*Burnett,  James  
Chalfant  John  J 

...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
do 

*Daller,  Charles 

do 

*Daller,  William  T... 
Dowlin,  Thomas  P.. 
Kvans,  Allen  .. 

...do.... 
...do.... 
do 

Eavenson,  R.  E  
Fritz,  Christian  
*Guest,  William  A.... 
^Gamble,  Peter  
Hall,  Joseph  H  
Hoffecker,   Henry... 
^Houston,  David  F... 
Hood,  Joseph  
Hopkins,  John  
Hutton,  Benj.  R  
I  ngram    A  1  bi  n 

...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
do 

James,  Caleb  S  

..do.... 

Discharged  Sept.  24,  1862. 
Promoted  from  ist  Lieutenant,  Sept.  24,  1862. 
Promoted  from  2d  Lieutenant,  Sept.  24,  1862. 
Promoted  from  ist  Sergeant,  Sept.  24,  1862. 
Promoted  from  Sergeant,  Sept.  24,  1862. 
Promoted  troin  Corporal,  Sept.  24,  1862. 
Promoted  from  Corporal,  Sept.  24,  1862. 
Promoted  from  Corporal,  Sept.  24,  1862. 
Promoted  from  Corporal,  Sept.  24,  1862. 
Wounded  at  Antietam — Disch'gd  on  Surgeon's 

certificate,  Feb.  10, 1863. 
Wounded  at  Antietam — Disch'gd  on  Surgeon's 

certificate,  Feb.  12,  1863. 
Promoted  to  Sergeant  Major,  Aug.  25,  1862. 


Wounded  and  missing  at  Chancellorsville. 


Disch'gd  on  Surgeon's  certificate,  Sept.  24, 1862. 


Absent,  sick,  at  muster  out. 
Discharged  Feb.  20,  1863. 


Co.  F — Continued, 


*Keech,  Charles  P.... 
*Kemble,  John  W  
Kemble,  Bushrod  H. 
Leech,    Michael  
Love  Tames 

Private 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
..  do.... 

Lahay,  Michael  .... 
*Loughram,  Michael. 
*Laird    David 

...do.... 
...do.... 
..  do.... 

*Milligan,  Lewis  T... 
*Moore,  David  
Marshall,  John  W... 
Mercer,  Evan  A  
Mercer,  Towns'  d  E.. 
Mercer,  F.  Wills  
Martin,  I.  Walton... 
Movers,  John  
*Monaghan,  Hami'n. 

M'Clintock,  James.. 
Padan     Hugh 

...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 

...do.... 
...do.... 

Peiiniger,  Samuel... 
Pennvpacker,  A.  F.. 
Parke'r,  Robert  H.... 
*Potter,  Henry  
*Price,  Issacker  
Quinter,  George  
Reed,  William  
Root,  Peter  
Rambo,  Mahlon,  
Ramstine,  Thomas.. 
Rambaugh,  Abram.. 
Rutherford,  John.... 
*Rennard,  Wm.  H.... 
*Roxborough,  Chas,. 
*Siverd,  William  
Smith    Frank  C 

...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
do.... 

*Simmons,  George  B. 

...do.... 
...do.... 

Thomas,  John  
*Vandever,  William.. 
\Vack  James  

...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 

*Wack,  Benjamin  B.. 
Weigles,  Charles  
\Varner,  Napoleon  B 
*Warner,  Henry  C.... 
White,  John  W  
Windle,  David  C  
Yocum,  William  

...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 

Absent,  sick,  at  muster  out. 
Deserted  Aug.  16,  1862. 
Deserted  Oct.  n,  186.2. 
Deserted  Nov.  n,  1862. 


Died  at  Frederick,  Md.,  Mar.  n,  1863,  of  wound  s 
received  at  Antietam. 


Died  at  Frederick,  Md.,  Sept.  22,  1862, 


Deserted  Oct.  13,  1862. 


*  Deceased. 

ERRATA. 

Abram  Rambaugh  should  be  Abram  Rambo. 
Hugh  Padan  should  be  Hugh  Paden. 
George  B.  Simmons  should  be  George  H.  Simmons. 


*Edward  F.  James.... 
*Philip  D.  Haines.... 
*William  S.  Able  
*Jas    H    Naylor 

Captain 

.ISt     Ivt. 

.2dU-. 

ist  Set 

Joseph  N.  Marshall- 
Henry  J.  Stager  
Charles  J.  Murray.... 
Marklv  Davis 

Serg't. 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do... 

Jesse  Taggart  
*John  W.  Crothers.... 
Alfred  Brinton  
*Samuel  Naylor 

...do.... 
.Corp.. 
...do.... 
...do.... 

Jacob  E.  James  
Gil'nB.  Underwood. 
*Evan  E  \Voodward 

...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.. 

Ivorenzo  D.  Farra  
Isaac  N.  Evans 

...do.... 
...do.... 

*Ellis  W.  Ford  
*Wm.  H.  H.  Smith... 

Addleman,  Win.  H.. 
Boyer,  Collins  
^Baldwin,  Bird  L  
Baldwin,  William  P. 
Bishop,  Wavne  M... 
*Breckenridge,  G.  W. 
*Brinton,  Thomas  
*Brosius,  Robert  H... 
Buelley,  Jesse  

..Muc.. 
...do.... 

Private 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 

Collins,  Thomas  
*Carvcr,  Nelson  . 

...do.... 
...do.... 

Cool,  Mordecai  J  

...do.... 

Care,  Henry  
Connor,  George  M.. 
*Dillinger,  Samuel  L. 
Daily,  Thomas  
Daily  John 

...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
do 

Forbes,  Raymond... 
Frailey,  Charles  W. 
Guiniiey,  Jefferson.. 
Grier,  William  
Guinney,  Franklin.. 
*Gordon,  Morgan  
*Holmes,  Philip  
*Houck,  William  H. 
*Holmes,  Daniel  
Herrington,  Corn's. 
Hughes,  Jacob  
Ingram,  John  B  
Ingram,  James  H  
Irwin,  Sanford  
*Jardine,  Bethel  N.... 
Jester,  Edward  B  

...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do  — 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 

*Jardine,  Amos  C  
*Kaiser,  George  
Kent,  Samuel  R  

..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 

Co.    G. 


.  Promoted  from  Corporal,  Aug.  25,  1862. 


Promoted  to  Quartermaster  Sgt. ,  Aug.  25,  1862. 


Promoted  to  Corporal,  Aug.  25,  1862. 
Promoted  to  Corporal,  Dec.  25,  1862. 

Died  at  Acquia  Creek,  Va. ,  April  10,  1863. 


Died  at  Washington,  D,  C.,  Apr.  25,  1863. 
Disch'gd  on  Surgeon's  certificate,  Apr.  i,  1863. 
Died  at  Penningtonville,  Pa.,  Mar.  19,  1863. 
Deserted  Sept.  17,  1862. 


Missed  in  action  at  Antietam. 


Disch'gd  on  Surgeon's  certificate,  Dec.  n,  1862. 

Deserted  Sept,  17,  1862. 
Deserted  Sept.  17,  1862. 
Died  Sept.  24,  of  wounds  received  at  Antietam 


74 


Co.  G — Continued. 


*Keely,  Enos 

Kerr,  Joseph 

*Lawrence,  George 
*Lammy,  Joseph  R... 

Long,  Robert  W 

Mills,  Thomas  R 

Mills,  John 

Mercer,  Joseph 

*Martin,  Edward  N.. 

Mendenhall,  Win.... 
*M'Elhaney,  Jacob 
*M'Elhaney,  James... 

M'Cue,  Amos  W 

M'Cafferty,  Howard. 
*Newbrough,  Enos.... 

Nields,  Harvey  C 

Nields,  Webb 

O'Niel,    Henry 

*O'Niel,  William  C... 

Pierce,  Edwin 

*Pawling,  Levi  B 

Peace,  Samuel  S 

Powers,  John 

Root,  Robert 

Reese,  Samuel  B 

Roke,  James 

Russell,  Hugh  P 

*Stanley,  William  M. 

Scott,  William  M.... 

Sullivan,  John  H 

Smith,  Norris  W 

Starkweather,  C.  G.. 

Sinn,  Benjamin  G.... 

Stern,  John 

*Sassaman,  Thomas.. 
*Thornburg,  R 

Townsend,  E.  W 

Underwood,  J.,  Jr.... 

*Worth,  Henry  M 

*Webster,  Wm.  D 

Wilson,  John  C 

*  Wright,  John 

Woodward,  D.  P 

^Wright,  DavidS 

Woods,  Wilmer 


Private 
...do.... 
...do... 


.do., 
.dc.. 
.do., 
.do., 
.do., 
.do., 
.do., 
.do.. 


.do., 
.do., 
.do., 
.do., 
.do., 
.do.. 


.do. 
.do. 
.do. 
.do. 


.do. 
.do. 
.do. 
.do. 
.do. 
.do. 
.do. 
.do. 
.do. 
.do. 
.do. 
.do. 
.do. 
.do. 
.do. 
.do. 
.do. 
.do. 
.do. 


.do. 
.do. 
.do. 
.do. 
.do. 


Died  at  Washington,  May  8,  1863. 


Disch'gd  on  Surgeon's  certificate,  Apr.  20,  1863. 


Missed  in  action  at  Antietam. 


*  Deceased. 


75 


Co.    H. 


James  Barton,  Jr  

Captain 

*Frank  M.  Naglee.... 

.ist  Lt. 

Wm.  H.  H.  Clayton. 

.2dlvt. 

*John  M.  Clayton  
*J  ames  M'Dade 

ist  Sgt. 

Serir't 

Win.  G.  Knowles  

vJ^i.^     L. 

...do.... 

Win.  T.  Shoemaker. 

...do.... 

*Charles  B.  Roberts.. 

...do.... 

Wm.  Pusey  West  

...do.... 

*Thomas  H.  Jackson. 

...do.... 

*Sam'l  K.  Crozier  

.  Corp.. 

L,ewis  M'Gonegal.... 

...do.... 

*John  B.  M'Cay,  Jr.... 
*Simon  B.  West  

...do.... 
..do. 

*C.  J.  Rhodeback  

...do.... 

EnosW.  Clair  

...do.... 

Wm.  Trainer,  Jr  

...do.... 

James  C.  Hinkson... 

...do.... 

*James  P.  Evans  

..Muc.. 

*George  B.  Hinkson. 

...do.... 

Alman,  Joseph  A  
Arnient  Joseph  L/ 

Private 
do.... 

*Benson,  George  S.... 
Bonsall,  Charles,  Jr.. 
Burns,  William  

...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 

Bonsall,  Joseph  H... 
*Burk,  Thomas  

...do.... 
...do.... 

Baker,  Ellis  S  
*Carr,  John  W  

...do  — 
...do.... 

Casey,  Robert,  Jr.... 
Cathcart,  Joseph  
*Chadwick,  James  P. 
Clair,  William  H.... 

...do.... 
...do  — 
...do.... 
...do.... 

Chandler,  Wm.  T... 

...do.... 

Clayton,  Wm.  T  
*Cougleton,  John  B.. 
*Crowther,  Win.  J.... 
Carman,  Thomas  J.. 
Cross,  Geo.  K  

...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 

Davis,  Frederick  A.. 

...do.... 

*Drake,  Joseph  M  
*Duffy  John  F 

...do.... 
do 

*Eave,  Elias  

...do.... 

Files,  John  
Ford,  Ezekiel  C  
*Gutterson,  Alex  

...do.... 
...do.... 
...do  — 

Green,  Robert  M  

...do  — 

Heacock,  Sam'l  F... 

...do.... 

Hanthom,  Chas.  T.. 

...do.... 

*Hartly,  Frederick... 

..do.... 

*Heacock,  Jonathan.. 
*Hanby,  Robert  J  
*Hickman,  Edwin  H. 
Hurst,  Benjamin  F.. 

...do.... 
...do  — 
...do.... 
...do.... 

Wounded  at  Antietam. 
Promoted  from  Corporal,  Jan.  19,  1863. 
Promoted  from  Corporal,  Jan.  i,  1863. 
Promoted  to  Commissary  Sgt.,  Sept.  I,  1862. 
Died  at  Washington,  D.  C.,Jan.  19,  1863. 


Promoted  to  Corporal,  Jan.  19,  1862. — wounded 

at  Chancellorsville,  May  3,  1863. 
Promoted  to  Corporal,  Jan.  i,  1863. 


Disch'gd  on  Surgeon's  certificate,  Sept.  27,  1862. 
Died  at  Harper's  Ferry,  Nov.  3,  1862. 
Deserted  Sept.  17,  1862. 


Disch'gd  on  Surgeon's  certificate,  Nov.  17, 1862, 
Disch'gd  on  Surgeon's  certificate,  Mar.  8,  1863. 


Disch'gd  on  Surgeon's  certificate,  Dec.  30,  1862. 


Co.  H — Continued. 


Howard,  William  D. 
*Jackson,  Charles 

Jackson,  John 

Jones,  David  T 

*Lobb,  J.  Ephraim... 
*Miles,J.  Wesley 

Mills,  George 

*Minshall,  Jesse  D.... 
*Mott,  John 

M'Call,  Robert  A.... 

M'Cue,  Daniel 

Nawn,  Philip 

*Neeld,  Samuel  W... 

Own,  Jesse 

Palmer,  John  F 

*Peters,  John 

Philips,  John  W 

*Piard,  James,  Jr 

Pierce,  Harvey  K.... 
*Platt,  Horatio' N 

Poole,  George  W 

Price,  Isaac  E 

Pyle,  James 

Pyle,  Owen  Z 

*Ragan,  Maurice 

*Rice,  Jacob  H 

*Ryan,  Thomas 

Smith,  Albert 

*Smith,  Cheyney  H.. 

Standring,  John 

*Taylor,  Joseph 

Temple,  John  M 

*Trainer,  Daniel 

*Tally,  Livingston.... 

Vanhorn,  William  S. 

Vansant,  Xehemiah. 
*  Welsh,  Ralph 

Whittington,  John.. 
*White,  Simon  H 

Wildes,  Thomas 

^Williams,  Moses 

*7ebley,  Samuel  R... 


Private 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do... 


.do., 
.do. 
.do. 
.do. 
.do., 
.do., 


.do., 
.do., 
.do., 
.do., 
.do., 
.do., 
.do., 
.do., 
.do.. 


.do., 
.do., 
.do., 
.do., 


.do., 
.do. . 
.do., 
.do., 
.do., 
.do., 
.do., 
.do., 
.do., 
.do., 
.do., 
.do. 
.do., 
.do., 


Discharged — date  unknown. 

Died  at  Stafford  C.  H.,  Va.,  Mar.  8,  1863, 

Discharged — date  unknown. 


Wounded  at  Chancellorsville. 

Wounded  at  Chancellorsville. 
Wounded  at  Antietam. 


Disch'gdon  Surgeon's  certificate,  Jan,  7,  1863 


Deserted  Sept.  17,  1862. 


Killed  at  Antietam. 


*  Deceased. 


77 


Co.   I. 


*Wm.  M.  Hinkson... 

Captain 

Win.  V.  Strickland. 

.ist  Lt. 

William  S.  Snare... 

.2dU.. 

Wai.  J.  Illingworth. 

ist  Sgt. 

*Henry  C.  Wilson... 

Serg't. 

*Henry  C.  Valentine. 

...do.... 

*  Alfred  Fairlamb  

...do.... 

*Coleman  Wynn  

...do.... 

Jos.  R.  Strickland... 

.  Corp.. 

Jonah  B.  Gutlirie 

...do.... 

^Arnold  M.  Nicholas. 

...do.... 

Wm.  R.  T.  Boggs.... 

...do.... 

Thomas  M.  Jeffries. 

...do.... 

*Joseph  B.  Hinkson. 

...do.... 

*John  G.  Reed  

...do.... 

*Joseph  M'Cue  

...do.... 

*David  P.  Caruthers. 

...do.... 

*Edw.  D.  Watkins.... 

..Muc.. 

*Alexander,  L.  T  

Private 

*Armole,  John  

...do.... 

Anoltie,  Edward  

...do.... 

Bailey,  Benjamin  H. 

...do.... 

*Baldwin,  George  W. 

...do.... 

*Baldwin,  Joseph  B.. 

...do.... 

*Cochran  Robert. 

...do.... 

Cramer,  Christopher 

...do.... 

Cook,  James 

...do.... 

Connor,  George  M.. 

...do  — 

Do  well,  George  W.. 

...do.... 

Donley,  Lewis  

...do.... 

Duffy,  Bernard. 

...do.... 

*Doyle,  William  

...do.... 

Fidler,  Christian  

...do.... 

Garrigau,  Nicholas.. 

...do.... 

Hoopes,  Coleman  

.-..do.... 

Hoopes,  Moses  T  

...do  — 

Hampton,  William.. 

...do.... 

Hughes,  James  

...do.... 

Hinkson,  Wm.  A  

...do.... 

Holton,  Alfred  

...do.... 

Hoi  ton,  Jesse  

...do.... 

*Keating,  John  G  

...do.... 

Kennedy  ,  John  

...do.... 

*Johnson,  Lewis  T.... 

...do.... 

*Jenkins,  Benjamin.. 

..do.... 

*Moore,  James  W  

..do.... 

*  Murphy,  Daniel  

..do.... 

M'Cluen,  Edw.  L,... 

..do.... 

M'Lane,  James  

..do.... 

M'Cabe,  Owen  

..do.... 

M'  Bride,  Samuel  

..do.... 

M'Mullen,  Patrick.. 

..do.... 

Naylor,  George  

..do.... 

Pennell,  S.  Franklin 

..do.... 

*Pyle,   Henry  W  

..do.... 

Promoted  from  Corporal,  Oct.  i,  1862. 
Promoted  to  Corporal,  Sept.  27,  1862. 


Promoted  to  Corporal,  Nov.  20,  1862. 
Promoted  to  Corporal,  Nov.  20,  1862. 

Died  at  Harper's  Ferry,  Mar.  5,  1863. 
Killed  at  Chancellorsville,  Mar.  2,  1863. 
Deserted  Dec.  22,  1862. 
Deserted  Oct.  i,  1862. 

Died  Nov.  3,  of  wounds  received  at  Antietam. 
Deserted  Oct.  26,  186.2. 


..  Disch'gdon  Surgeon's  certificate,  Jan.  26,  1863. 


Died  at  Stafford  C.  H.,  Va.,  Mar.  20,  1863. 
Deserted  Sept.  28,  1862. 


Disch'gd  on  Surgeon's  certificate,  Feb.  5,  1863. 
Died  at  Stafford  C.  H..  Va.,  Feb.  9,  1863. 


Disch'gdon  Surgeon's  certificate,  Mar.  20,  1863. 
Discharged — date  unknown. 


Co.  I — Continued. 


Reed.  Matthew  C... 

*Ross,  Enos  W 

*Rigg,  Isaac  W 

Rupp,  Lewis 

*Reynolds,  Wihiier.. 

Simcox,  William... 

Stineback,  Jacob  H. 
*Smith,  Samuel  C... 
*S\veeney,  Michael.. 
*Taylor,  Humph'y  Y. 
*Taylor,  Nathan  Y... 

Thomas,  Joseph  W.. 
*Underwood,  Joseph. 

White,  George  W... 

*  Wood  ward,  Jac.  H... 

*  Wilson,  Charles  Iv... 
*Watkins,  Cheney  J.. 
*Wickersham,  Wm... 
nVorrall,  Charles  T.. 


Private 
do... 
...do... 
...do... 
...do... 
...do... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do... 


Killed  at  Antietam. 


Disch'gdon  Surgeon's  certificate,  Feb.  5,  1863. 
Died  at  Maryland  Heights,  Oct.  10,  1862. 


*  Deceased. 

ERRATA. 
Jesse  Holton  should  be  Jesse  D.  Holton. 


Co.    K. 


*William  W.  Stott... 
*George  E.  Newliu.. 
*Henry  C.  Wells  
*David  H.  Fleming.. 
*Williani  S.  Walker. 
*L,ewis  Wilson  
*Edward  C.  Bennett. 
*William  A   Bair. 

Captain 
.ist  Lt. 
.2dLt.. 
ist  Sgt. 
Serg't. 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 

William  W.  Bair.... 
'•Augustine  Birdscll.. 
Adam  J.  Reese 

...do.... 
.  Corp.. 
...do.... 

*John  H.  Bailey  
*Henrv  C.  Eby.    .. 

...do.... 
...do.... 

Samuel  F.  Kennedy 
Henry  S.  Burns  
Harrison  Rennard.. 
John  C.  Boicc  
*John  B.  Taggart  

Aim,  David  F  
Adams  John  Q. 

...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 

Private 
...do.... 

Baker,  EnosC  
Bair,  John  H.  .    .. 

...do.... 
...do.... 

*Brogan,  Solomon. 

...do.... 

Bulack,John  G  
Berkehiser,  Jacob  
Bentley,  Joshua  M... 
Bird,  Jesse  

...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 

Cunningham,  J.  F... 
*Connor,  Samuel  P... 
Channell,  George  W 
*Cornog,  Henry  E... 
Entriken,  W.  H.  H. 
Foster,  James  
*Finney,  John  W  
Fish,  Samuel  R  
Fox,  Thomas  V  
Freel,  Joseph  C  
*Freed,  Wm.  H.  H... 
Garrett,  John  T  
*Gilmore,  Thomas  J.. 
^Gordon,  David  E  
Garrett,  David  
Greenleaf,  Bruner... 
Hilton,  Albert  

...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
..do.... 

Harkins,  William... 
Holsteinjohn  W.... 
Hacket,  William  
Harkins,  George  
Haydon,  John  
Ingram,  James  
Judge,  John  
Kimble,  Joseph  M... 
Kennedy,  John  W... 
Kane,  William  
*L,ukens,  Clarkson... 

..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 

Promoted  to  Corporal,  Oct.  25,  1862. 
Disch'gd  on  Surgeon's  certificate,  Sept.  5,  1862. 
Promoted  to  Corporal,  Sept.  i,  1862. 


Promoted  to  Corporal,  Nov.  30,  1862. 
Disch'gd  on  Surgeon's  certificate,  Feb.  13,  1863. 
Died  at  Harper's  Ferry,  Nov.  30,  1862. 


.  Disch'gd  on  Surgeon's  certificate,  Feb.  12,  1863. 


Disch'gd  on  Surgeon's  certificate,  Feb.  13,  1863. 
Died  at  Washington,  D,  C.,  Oct.  2,  1862. 


Disch'gd  on  Surgeon's  certificate,  Feb.  14,  1863. 


..  Missed  in  action  at  Chancellorsville. 


80 


Co.  K — Continued. 


*Lukens,  Charles  
Lawrence,  Christ'r. 
*Little,  Samuel  
Lamping  John 

Private 
...do.... 
...do.... 
.  do.... 

Lucas   Charles  

...do.... 

*Lamborn,  Marshall. 
Lancaster,  W.  W.... 
*Ludwick,  Isaiah  
*Milligan,  Smith  A.. 
Miller,  William  S.. 
*M'Fadden,  Milton.. 
Northamer,  And'w.. 
*Nicholson,  John  A.. 
*Newlin,  Elisha  H... 
Osborn,  George  L... 
*Pyle  Joshua  

...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do  — 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 

Peters,  Isaac  
*Paiste,  William  H... 
Ray,  James  
*Regester,  Henry  H.. 
Ricker,  George  W... 
*Reese  Judson 

..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do. 

Stroud,  Joseph  J  
^Stroud  Joshua  K. 

..do.... 
..do... 

Shaw,  William  P.... 
Sharp,  B.  Frank  
Shoemaker,  Geo.W. 
*Smith,  Wm.  H.  H... 
*Shaw,  William. 

..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 

*Stroud,  John  W  
Woodward,  Ellis  P.. 
Wilkinson,  Wm.  D.. 
Walters,  Jesse  
Walton,  James  B  
Yoder,  Andrew  

..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 
..do.... 

Died  at  Harper's  Ferry,  Dec.  6,  1862. 


Disch'gdon  Surgeon's  certificate,  Feb.  16,  1863. 


Died  Sept.  30,  of  wounds  received  at  Antietam. 


Disch'gd  on  Surgeon's  certificate,  Feb.  7,  1863. 
Disch'gd  on  Surgeon's  certificate,  Mar.  26,  1863. 
Died  at  Maryland  Heights,  Nov.  30,  1862. 
Died  at  Harper's  Ferry,  Dec.  7,  1862. 


Deceased. 


81 


Colonel  of  the  I24th  Penna.  Volunteers  and  of  the  2Qth  Penna.  Vol.  Militia. 


o 

J5     ^ 
O   .2, 


si 

» 


fcT    So 


z  a- 


'*/}     p 

o 

£  u 

c 

S   5 

^  & 


-    I  81 

S  u  Q 
,    >> 


*     1 
~    O 


WILLIAM    S.   ABLE 
Second  Lieutenant,   Company   G. 


WM.  H.  LITZENBERG 
Second  Lieutenant,   Company   B. 


JOS.  G.   CUMMINS 
Second  Lieutenant,   Company  D. 


• 


W    S 


£  u 


fa* 


WM.   S.   SNARE 
Second   Lieutenant,    Company    I. 


HENRY  C.   WELLS 
Second  Lieutenant,   Company  K. 


,    V-^flv 


WM.  H.  HOWARD,  Jr. 

Musician,    Company    D. 


15EXJAMIN  T.  GREEN 
Sergeant,    Company   D,    i24th. 
Captain,   Independent  Company. 


WALKER  Y. 

Company    D 


JOHN   PUGH 

Company    D,    i24th. 

Corporal,  Company  I,  2gth  Penna.   Emergency. 


1.  WALTON  MARTIN 
Company   F. 


HARMON    G.    BOND 
Company   A. 


WM.  H.   BEAT  TV 
Corporal,    Company    D. 


STEPHEN   T.   SMITH 
Company   D. 


WM.  A.  DOBBINS 
Company    B. 


JOEL   S.   GREENFIELD 
Company    C. 


3  a 
w   >> 


5   1 

X    U 


SK 


Of   THE 

UNIVERSITY 


N  -T 

£  2 

W  o 

«  £• 

O  o 


u    * 

Q     " 
~    <J 


S    <N 


AND   GRANDSON,  GEO.   D.    BIDDLE,    igo6. 


REMINISCENCES  OF  COMRADE  GEORGE  D.  MILLER. 


COMRADE  GEORGE  D.  MIL- 
I.KK,  of  Company  D,  in  De 
cember,  1906,  related  to  the 
historian  the  following  inci 
dent  :— 

At  South  M  o  u  n  t  a  i  n, 
while  on  the  march  from 
Virginia  to  Antietam  we 
saw  a  cartload  of  limbs — 
mostly  legs  that  had  been 
taken  off  above  the  knee ; 
it  made  a  great  impression 
on  me,  as  losing  a  limb  was 
the  only  thing  I  dreaded 
when  I  decided  to  enlist. 

At  Antietam,  on  the  i/th 
of  September,  when  I  was 
wounded  and  saw  the  hole 
in  the  front  of  my  coat,  and 
put  my  hand  to  my  back, 
I  thought  it  was  all  up  with  me,  and  for  a  month  it  seemed  impos 
sible  that  I  could  get  well,  and  when  I  took  a  turn  for  the  better 
it  was  a  great  disappointment,  as  I  was  in  hopes  I  was  through  my 
earthly  troubles. 

I  still  have  the  blouse,  with  a  half  moon  out  of  the  front  and 
a  large  hole  in  the  back.  The  ball  entered  above  the  stomach, 
coming  out  between  the  lower  two  ribs,  cutting  the  colon,  from 
which  it  discharged  for  ten  days  or  so.  Dr.  Linton,  of  our  com 
pany,  drew  a  silk  handkerchief  through  the  opening,  which  was 
about  all  that  could  be  done.  This  would  not  be  considered 
scientific  treatment  in  these  "microbe  days." 

After  receiving  my  wound  Comrade  Charles  Eckfeldt,  at  my 
solicitation,  helped  me  off  with  my  belt  and  knapsack,  and  as  the 
barrel  of  his  gun  had  been  flattened  by  a  ball,  he  took  mine,  and 
when  I  left  the  gutter  on  the  pike,  he  was  firing  away,  but  was 
never  heard  of  again.  His  father  searched  every  place ;  opening 
graves,  etc. 

105 


1861. 


SIMON  LITZENBERG, 
LIEUTENANT-COLONEL. 

Son  of  Major  George  Litzenberg,  an  officer  in  the  War  of 
1812,  was  born  June  26th,  1815. 

At  the  outbreak  of  the  Civil  War,  he  recruited  a  company  in 
the  Borough  of  Media,  Pennsylvania,  under  the  name  of  the 
"Media  Guards,"  and  when  the  I24th  was  organized,  this  com 
pany  became  Company  B  of  that  regiment,  and  he  was  commis 
sioned  Captain  August  Qth,  1862,  and  Lieutenant-Colonel  August 
1 6th,  1862. 

A  letter  written  after  the  battle  of  Antietam  by  the  Deputy 
Secretary  of  State,  which  enclosed  his  commission,  says :  "I  do 
not  know  but  you  should  feel  a  little  proud  to  have  received  it 
on  the  field ;  upon  a  proof  of  your  true  soldiership,  than  to  have 
obtained  it  in  advance  of  any  opportunity  to  have  displayed  your 
qualities.  I  cannot  refrain  from  saying  to  you  what  has  been 
reported  to  me  by  many  in  your  regiment,  privates  and  officers, 
that  your  conduct  and  valor  were  praised  by  all.'* 

At  the  expiration  of  term  of  service,  he  returned  to  Chester 
and  resumed  his  profession  as  architect. 

He  was  a  member  of  Wilde  Post,  No.  25,  G.  A.  R.,  and  served 
the  city  of  Chester  as  Chief  of  Police  for  two  terms. 

He  died  in  Chester,  November  2^th,  1884,  and  was  buried  with 
military  honors  at  Media  Cemetery. 

Litzenberg  Post,  No.  480,  of  Clifton  Heights,  was  named  in 
his  honor,  and  as  a  mark  of  appreciation,  his  family  presented 
the  Post  with  his  cherished  sword.  Upon  the  disbandment  of  the 
Post  this  relic  was  deposited  with  Bradbury  Post,  No.  149,  of 
Media,  where  it  now  remains. 


106 


LIEUTENANT-COLONEL,     I24TH     REGT. 


^IBRAR^ 

OF   TH£ 

UNIVERSITY 

OF 


REMINISCENCE. 

WILLIAM  G.  KNOWLES,  Sergeant  of  Company  H,  under  date  of 
January  12,  1907,  furnished  the  historian  with  the  following: 

As  we  approached  the  Antietam  battlefield,  he  was  so  much 
impressed  with  the  belief  that  he  would  be  wounded  in  the  fight, 
that  he  took  up  the  different  parts  of  his  body  in  detail,  selecting 
the  part  that  would  inconvenience  him  least  from  a  wound,  and 
finally  selected  the  left  arm. 

\Ye  had  just  arrived  at  the  front ;  the  regiment  was  on  its  knees, 
and  as  we  turned  to  look  down  the  line,  the  enemy  opened  an 
enfilading  fire  from  a  battery  on  right  of  our  line,  got  our  range 
at  once,  and  a  shell  in  passing  grazed  his  left  arm,  breaking  the 
bone  and  bruising  the  flesh  to  the  bone,  the  circular  motion  of 
the  shell  tearing  his  clothing  into  strips.  He  was  taken  to  the  rear 
and  lay  twenty-four  hours  without  attention  ;  becoming  so  stiffened 
he  wras  unable  to  move  his  body,  proving  to  him  the  left  arm 
theory  was  a  fiction. 

He  was  carted  to  a  grist  mill  at  Sharpsburg,  where  he  received 
medical  attention.  On  the  first  visit  of  the  doctor  to  him  he  w7as 
surprised  to  hear  him  call  a  consultant,  when  others  he  thought 
more  seriously  wounded  wrere  passed  with  single  attention.  He 
found  it  was  a  question  whether  amputation  was  necessary,  but 
the  wound  being  so  near  the  shoulder  socket  rendered  amputation 
dangerous,  and  he  was  passed  for  the  time. 

That  afternoon  he  was  transferred  to  the  Court  House  at 
Hagerstown,  and  in  a  few  days,  after  special  treatment  and  the 
influence  of  friends,  was  fortunate  in  reaching  his  home  with 
owlers  to  report  to  the  nearest  hospital. 

Sergeant  Knowles  considers  the  saving  of  his  arm  and,  perhaps, 
his  life,  due  to  the  kindness  and  interest  of  Dr.  Kerlin,  of  Media, 
whose  treatment  enabled  him  to  reach  home.  The  injury  to  his 
arm  was  such  as  to  prevent  him  from  rejoining  the  regiment. 


109 


REMINISCENCE. 


1862. 


DAVID  S.  WILKINSON,  Cor 
poral  of  Company  A,  furnished 
the  following  extracts  from  his 
diary,  telling  of  the  march  to  An- 
tietam,  and  how  he  was  wounded  in 
that  battle. 

September,  1862. 

6th.  While  in  camp  near  Fort 
Blenker,  in  Virginia,  we  received 
marching  orders,  with  instructions  to 
leave  tents  and  knapsacks  in  camp.  We 
started  about  sundown,  and  crossed  the 
Potomac  at  Georgetown  into  Maryland, 
and  kept  on  the  march  until  3  o'clock 
next  morning.  I  will  never  forget  that 
night. 

7th.  We  took  up  the  march  about  7  A.  M. ;  marched  all  day,  and  slept 
in  a  potato  patch.  I  had  boiled  potatoes  for  supper. 

8th.  We  left  potato  camp  in  forenoon,  and  marched  through  Rockville; 
we  only  made  about  3  miles. 

gth.  We  started  at  10  A.  M.,  and  marched  about  10  miles.  I  saw  a 
whole  lot  of  soldiers. 

loth.  I  was  on  guard  all  day;  we  marched  about  15  miles,  and  I  went 
to  sleep  without  any  supper. 

nth.  Started  on  march  without  breakfast;  we  passed  through  the  town 
of  Damascus  and  encamped  for  the  night.  It  rained  all  night  and  I  got 
wet.  I  was  so  hungry  that  Morgan  Pinkerton  and  I  broke  camp  and  found 
an  old  house  in  which  an  aged  couple  lived ;  they  baked  us  a  great,  big 
corn  cake  and  boiled  string  beans  and  potatoes.  We  furnished  coffee  and 
sugar  and  we  had  a  good  time,  and  gave  the  old  folks  a  dollar.  We  ate 
so  much  that  we  could  hardly  get  to  camp  in  the  dark  and  rain. 

I2th.  Started  in  morning  and  marched  all  day;  stopped  near  the  Blue 
Ridge  Mountains.  I  will  never  forget  that  day — tired,  hungry,  and  not 
enough  water  to  drink.  I  came  near  giving  out,  but  I  stuck  to  it. 

I3th.  Started  at  sunrise ;  marched  all  day,  and  stopped  near  Frederick 
City  for  the  night.  Lieutenant  Isaac  Finch  and  I  went  into  town  and 
found  an  old  Chester  County  man,  and  he  gave  us  a  first-class  supper. 

I4th.  Sunday.  Started  in  morning,  marched  through  Frederick  City, 
and  crossed  Blue  Ridge  Mountains.  We  could  hear  the  booming  of 
cannon  most  all  day.  After  a  very  hard  day  we  stopped  for  the  night  about 
10  o'clock. 


no 


David  S.   ll'i'kiuson. 

1 5th.  Marched  a  short  distance  early  in  morning,  and  stopped  to  get 
something  to  eat.  1  found  a  cornfield,  made  a  fire,  and  filled  myself  full 
of  corn  and  coffee.  Started  again  about  10  A.  M.,  and  passed  through 
Boonesborough  to  about  2  miles  beyond ;  stopped  for  the  night  in  a  very 
pretty  part  of  the  country. 

i6th.  Started  in  morning  and  could  hear  cannon  booming  in  direction 
of  Harper's  Ferry;  shells  were  flying  through  the  air,  and  I  saw  one  burst 
and  kill  two  men.  All  1  could  get  to  eat  during  the  day  was  a  few  army 
crackers,  but  in  the  evening  live  steers  were  driven  into  camp  and  killed. 
Started  march  again  at  11  P.  M.,  and  marched  until  3  A.  M.,  when  we 
lay  down  in  the  mud  in  a  plowed  field. 

I7th.  As  soon  as  daylight  came  the  ball  was  opened;  a  shot  was  fired 
and  I  heard  a  soldier  say:  "Hello,  do  you  hear  that?  Some  fellow  is 
out  shooting  squirrels  this  morning."  But  that  single  shot  was  soon 
followed  by  a  volley,  and  we  knew  that  a  fight  was  on  and  that  we  were 
near  it.  We  were  hurried  forward,  and  Company  A  passed  through 
Miller's  yard,  crossed  the  pike,  past  the  barn  into  the  field,  advanced  part 
way  up  the  hill,  and  lay  down.  We  were  soon  ordered  up,  and  the  Rebs 
fired  at  us ;  one  ball  took  off  my  cap  and  nearly  took  my  little  finger,  and 
one  passed  through  the  right  sleeve  of  my  coat.  We  were  again  ordered 
to  lie  down,  and  in  a  few  minutes  were  ordered  forward.  I  had  fired 
about  three  loads  when  a  ball  went  through  my  leg.  Some  comrades 
helped  me  to  the  rear  of  a  farm-house  about  2  miles  awray.  From  there 
I  was  taken  to  Hagerstown. 

26th.     I   was   taken   to   Chambersburg,  and   on   the  2Qth   to   Harrisburg. 
My  leg  gathered  and  I  had  intermittent  fever. 
November. 

1 5th.  I  was  discharged,  and  on  November  21  st  was  sent  home  to 
Coatesville.  The  doctor  said  I  would  never  get  well. 

[NoTE: — When  Corporal  Wilkinson  sent  the  above  records  to 
the  historian  in  December,  1906,  he  said,  "the  doctor  evidently 
didn't  know,  for  I  am  here  yet."] 


in 


REMINISCENCE. 

JOEL  ROLLINGS  WORTH,  Corporal  of  Company  D,  relates  the 
following  incidents  : 

The  comrades  who  took  part  in  the  march  from  Virginia  to 
Antietam  will,  no  doubt,  remember  that  we  were  without  tents, 
and  that  when  we  halted,  near  Frederick  City,  with  a  prospect 
of  a  few  hours'  rest,  some  hustled  for  water  to  wash  with,  and 
others  for  fence  rails,  straw,  etc.,  to  make  beds.  Among  the 
fortunate  ones  (or  rather  unfortunate  as  it  afterward  proved  to 
be)  was  Jack,  who  had  spied  a  straw  stack,  and  the  way  to  it 
was  up  a  steep  hill ;  Jack  made  the  climb  and  was  almost  back 
to  camp  with  two  large  bundles  when  he  met  General  Meade. 
The  General  said, — "Young  man,  where  did  you  get  that  straw?" 
Jack  replied,  "up  there  on  the  hill."  The  General  said, — "Well, 
you  take  it  back.''  Jack  said, — "General,  I  suppose  I  will  have  to 
obey  your  order,  but  if  you  were  not  wearing  shoulder  straps, 
I'll  be  d—  -  if  I  would."  The  General  dismounted,  pulled  off 
his  coat,  threw  it  on  the  saddle,  turned  to  Jack  and  said,  "now, 
young  man,  the  straps  are  out  of  the  way,  you  take  that  straw 
back."  Jack  took  the  straw  back,  and  had  to  make  two  trips  to 
dojt. 

It  is  needless  to  say  that  there  was  more  than  a  little  profanity 
used  in  the  two  trips,  and  I  doubt  if  the  old  fellows  at  the  present 
time  could  fill  it  in  properly. 

During  the  Chancellorsville  campaign,  General  Slocum  and 
staff  were  standing  on  a  bluff  near  Germania  Eord,  looking  at 
the  engineer  corps  throwing  a  pontoon  bridge  across  the  Rap- 
pahannock  River.  I  walked  over  to  see  what  was  going  on. 
While  there  a  small  pig  came  running  up  the  bank  in  front  of  me. 
I  ran  my  bayonet  through  it,  and,  shouldering  my  gun,  was 
marching  off  with  the  pig,  when  one  of  the  staff  officers  spied 
me  and  said, — Young  man,  it  is  very  evident  you  have  done  that 
trick  before.  I  told  him  that  I  had  often  practised  it,  but  this 
was  the  first  time  I  had  been  successful,  and  I  told  him  if  he 
would  examine  the  pig  he  would  find  that  it  wasn't  a  tame  one, 
but  was  a  "razor  back"  that  had  been  scared  out  of  the  woods. 


MAJOR-GENERAL    GEO.    G.     MEADE. 


or  THI 
UNIVERSITY 

Of 


1906. 


REMINISCENCES  OF  WILLIAM  W.  POTTS, 

SERGEANT   COMPANY  F. 
WOUNDED   AT  BATTLE  OF   ANTlETAM. 


\Yhen  the  I24th  Regiment  was  en 
camped  at  Arlington,  the  night  after 
the  second  battle  of  Bull  Run,  orders 
were  received  to  send  a  detail  under  a 
commissioned  officer  to  form  a  picket 
line  in  the  rear  of  Arlington.  A 
detail  was  made  from  Company  F, 
under  command  of  Captain  Crosby— 
the  line  was  formed  as  ordered.  It 
was  a  rainy  night  and  at  about  10 
o'clock  I  was  ordered  to  report  to  the 
Captain  ;  he  said  "Sergeant,  I  am  going 
back  to  camp.  I'll  be  -  -  if  I 


1863. 


will  stay  out  here  in  the  rain,  and  if 
a  commissioned  officer  is  needed  dur 
ing  the  night,  I  order  you  to  represent  me."  About  midnight 
there  was  an  alarm  on  the  line.  I  went  to  investigate  and  found 
a  Brigadier-General  in  command  of  a  brigade,  who  wished  to 
pass  through  the  lines.  He  told  me  that  he  was  just  in  from  Bull 
Run  and  had  orders  to  report  to  Chain  Bridge.  I  asked  for  the 
countersign.  He  said  he  hadn't  any.  I  asked  him  what  regiments 
were  in  his  brigade,  and  he  told  me  what  they  were  (I  think  they 
were  mostly  New  England  regiments).  I  went  along  the  line 
and  questioned  the  men  and  found  his  statements  correct.  I 
told  him  that  I  found  everything  all  right,  but  as  I  couldn't  give 
him  the  countersign,  I  would  lead  him  through  the  lines,  which 
I  proceeded  to  do,  and  as  we  were  halted  by  the  guards,  I  went 
forward  and  gave  the  countersign  and  told  them  what  was  com 
ing.  When  we  got  through  the  lines  and  I  was  about  to  bid  him 
good  night,  he  asked  me  what  regiment  I  belonged  to.  I  told  him 
Company  F,  I24th  Penna.  He  said,  " Sergeant,  you  should  have 
a  commission,  and  I  will  see  that  you  get  one."  He  had  been 
drowning  his  sorrow  at  the  defeat  at  Bull  Run  and  was  slightly 
elated  as  a  result.  I  haven't  received  that  commission  vet. 


117 


I  heard  the  next  day  that  the  53d  Pennsylvania  Regiment  (Col. 
John  R.  Brooke),  was  camped  in  our  vicinity;  as  the  Colonel  and 
I  were  comrades  in  the  first  call  for  75,000  troops,  I  went  over  to 
see  him.  I  found  him  stiff  and  ragged ;  one  eagle  shot  from  his 
shoulder,  and  the  other  hanging  by  the  tip  of  its  wing.  While 
we  were  talking,  a  motley,  ragged  crowd  came  marching  past, 
some  of  the  men  leading  one  and  two-year-old  colts,  and  an  old 
fellow  on  a  horse  leading  some ;  the  man  and  the  horses  were  in 
keeping  with  the  crowd  that  was  following ;  he  wore  an  old  straw 
hat,  with  a  loose  crown  and  a  tuft  of  hair  sticking  through  the 
opening.  I  asked  Col.  Brooke  if  that  motley  crowd  was  the 
ragged  militia.  His  reply  was  "don't  you  say  anything  against 
those  boys — that  is  fighting1  Dick  and  the  Irish  Brigade."  Fight 
ing  Dick  was  General  Richardson,  who  was  wounded  at  Antietam, 
and  died  shortly  after. 

Col.  Brooke  is  now  Major-General  John  R.  Brooke,  retired.  He 
was  one  of  the  volunteer  officers  of  the  Civil  War,  and  as  one  of 
his  men  expressed,  "he  was  one  of  the  kind  that  said  come  on." 

Shortly  after  the  above,  we  started  on  the  march  for  Antietam ; 
we  halted  at  Rockville  to  let  Burnside's  Corps  pass.  I  remember 
the  halt  at  Frederick,  and  the  wading  through  the  Monocacy  Creek. 
How  we  marched  up  the  valleys,  and  down  the  valleys,  and  had 
constantly  in  sight  that  bald-headed  mountain,  sometimes  march 
ing  toward  it  and  sometimes  away  from  it,  the  boys  asking  what 
they  were  trying  to  do  with  them.  The  only  solution  we  could  get 
was  that  it  was  some  of  McClellan's  strategy — that  he  was  march 
ing  us  around  to  fool  the  Rebs.  We  could  hear  the  cannons  boom 
ing  in  the  distance. 

I  remember  how  slippery  the  soles  of  our  shoes  got  from  tramp 
ing  through  the  fields  and  how,  when  our  toes  would  catch  in 
a  dew-berry  vine,  we  would  pitch  headlong,  too  tired  and  stiff 
to  recover,  and  how  when  we  halted  for  a  rest,  we  would  stretch  out 
on  our  backs,  and  when  the  order  was  given  to  "fall  in,"  we  would 
roll  over  and  climb  up  our  musket  to  get  on  our  feet  again.  We 
marched  from  7  A.  M.  until  2  A.  M.  before  going  into  camp. 
Some  of  our  mess  were  completely  played  out,  and  their  feet 
were  bleeding.  They  begged  us  to  fall  out  as  they  could  not 
go  any  further.  About  10  o'clock  P.  M.  a  number  of  us  fell 
out  and  got  together  in  a  worm  fence  corner.  We  laid  there, 
intending  to  wait  for  the  troops  to  pass  so  that  we  might  cook 

118 


some  coffee,  but  we  soon  fell  asleep,  showing-  that  we  were  more 
tired  than  hungry.  About  midnight  we  were  awakened  by  some 
thing  tramping  over  us.  We  thought  we  had  the  night-mare,  but 
it  proved  to  be  an  army  mule ;  we  heard  a  party  searching  for 
it  and  we  prodded  it  with  our  bayonets,  as  we  did  not  wish  to  be 
found  in  such  company ;  in  fact,  we  didn't  want  to  be  found  at 
all.  When  daylight  came,  not  having  any  toilet  to  make,  we 
cooked  some  grub  and  started  to  find  our  regiment.  We  had  not 
gone  far  when  we  were  overtaken  by  Lieutenant  Whitman,  ot 
General  Crawford's  staff.  I  had  partaken  quite  freely  of  cider, 
having  some  left  in  my  canteen,  I  treated  the  Lieutenant,  and 
appointed  him  "Gigadier  Brindle"  to  take  us  into  camp.  Aftei 
he  had  drained  the  canteen  he  seemed  quite  elated  over  the 
appointment,  and  we  started ;  we  gathered  up  stragglers  as  we 
marched  along,  and  when  we  arrived  at  camp  we  had  more  men 
than  the  Colonel  went  into  camp  with  the  night  before. 

WTe  learned  that  the  cannons  we  heard  the  day  before  were 
at  the  battle  of  South  Mountain,  and  that  we  were  the  reserve, 
and  that  it  was  a  part  of  little  Mac's  strategy  to  tire  us  out 
so  that  we  would  have  to  fight  if  we  got  into  it  as  we  were  too  tired 
to  run  away. 

I  must  tell  you  more  about  the  cider  incident.  Before  the 
Lieutenant  had  caught  up  to  us,  we  passed  an  orchard,  and  a  lot 
of  us  went  for  the  apples.  We  had  been  subsisting  on  green  corn 
for  several  days  and  we  thought  a  change  of  diet  would  be  bene 
ficial,  especially  as  the  corn  had  got  too  old  to  eat.  When  I 
went  into  the  orchard,  I  found  something  I  had  never  seen 
before — a  large  tub  on  a  bench,  with  one  thick  stave  and  a  plug 
in  the  stave ;  an  earthen  crock  and  a  hammer  were  near  by.  On 
investigating,  I  discovered  that  the  plug  had  been  hammered, 
and  by  gently  tapping  it  upward  a  small  stream  of  cider  came 
out.  On  tasting  it  I  found  it  O.  K.  and  partook  freely  of  it.  I 
then  filled  my  canteen  and  after  that  the  crock.  By  that  time  the 
boys  had  gathered  a  goodly  pile  of  strawberry  apples.  I  yelled 
to  them  that  I  had  found  some  bully  cider — they  left  the  apples 
and  made  for  the  cider.  I  gave  them  the  crock,  and  while  they 
were  enjoying  themselves  over  it  I  went  for  the  apples,  and  soon 
had  my  haversack  full. 

We  marched  so  fast  the  day  before  that  our  wagon  train  could 
not  keep  up  with  us,  and  the  men  went  into  camp  very  hungry. 

119 


During  the  march  General  Crawford  rode  past,  and  some  of  the 
boys  told  him  they  were  hungry  and  wanted  something  to  eat — 
he  answered  them  by  calling  them  "Pennsylvania  cattle.''  Some 
of  the  boys  threatened  to  get  square  with  him  if  opportunity 
offered.  1  told  them  that  was  very  wrong,  but  if  I  was  aiming 
at  a  Reb  and  the  General  got  in  the  way,  I  would  not  stop  firing 
on  his  account. 

When  I  got  to  camp  I  saw  a  house  in  the  distance  and  I  started 
for  it  to  see  if  I  could  buy  something  to  eat  (I  had  found  that 
cider  and  apples  were  not  very  lasting).  Just  as  I  was  going  in 
the  gate,  Crawford  and  his  staff  rode  up.  He  called  to  know 
where  I  was  going,  and  I  told  him  I  was  hunting  water.  He  told 
me  to  go  back  to  my  regiment.  As  I  felt  at  that  time,  I  believe 
if  he  had  been  alone  I  would  have  shot  him  ;  as  it  was,  the  odds 
were  against  me.  ( )n  the  way  back  to  camp  1  saw  some  wheat 
stacks,  and  I  shelled  out  enough  to  fill  my  tin  cup,  and  as  soon  as 
I  reached  camp  I  started  a  fire  to  cook  the  wheat.  The  boys 
crowded  around  to  see  what  I  was  cooking — they  also  were  experi 
encing  the  fact  that  nature  abhors  a  vacuum,  especially  when  it  is 
under  the  cartridge  belt.  I  told  them  I  was  making  a  rice  pudding 
and  pointed  to  the  wheat  stacks,  and  in  less  time  than  it  takes  to 
tell  it,  the  stacks  were  so  covered  with  hungry  boys,  it  looked,  in 
the  distance,  as  if  an  immense  flock  of  crows  had  lit  on  them. 

I  remember  the  night  march,  with  orders  not  to  let  our  tin  cups 
rattle,  and  how  we  could  hear  the  cavalry  horses  and  the  rattle 
of  sabres,  and  how7  we  laid  down  in  a  potato  patch,  with  orders  to 
sleep  on  our  arms.  I  awoke  from  a  troubled  sleep  and  told  Chal- 
font,  who  was  lying  beside  me,  that  I  had  a  presentiment  that  I 
would  be  killed  or  wounded  on  the  morrow.  He  said  he  did  not 
see  how  I  could  go  into  battle  feeling  that  way,  and  I  told  him 
if  I  had  a  good  excuse  for  staying  out,  I  would  not  go  in.  We 
were  awakened  at  daybreak  by  the  pickets  firing.  We  found  that 
our  camp  was  close  to  the  Rebel  lines.  We  were  soon  ordered  to 
fall  in  and  \vere  marched  in  an  easterly  direction  over  to  the  Miller 
farm,  where  our  lines  were  formed,  and  we  advanced  in  line  of 
battle  along  the  Sharpsburg  pike  ;  Companies  A,  D  and  F  being  on 
the  right  of  the  pike.  I  remember  a  Colonel  or  General  riding  up 
to  our  line  and  telling  us  to  hurry  up,  as  his  men  were  getting  cut 
to  pieces.  Feeling  that  wre  might  experience  the  same,  I  had  no 
desire  to  accept  this  invitation.  About  this  time  things  began  to 

120 


get  warm — our  Captain  thought  it  was  hot,  and  remarked,  it  was 
too  hot  for  him,  and  if  we  wanted  to  go  in  we  might,  but  he  would 
be  -  -  if  he  would,  and  he  retired  to  the  rear ;  as  nobody 

seemed  to  take  command  and,  as  I  had  been  drill-master  of  the 
company  and  acquainted  with  the  drill  from  previous  service,  I 
ordered  the  company  to  keep  dressed  with  the  colors  which  we 
could  see  above  the  corn  on  the  other  side  of  the  pike.  The  company 
was  lying  down,  and  two  of  us  started  out  in  front  to  find  out  where 
the  balls  \vere  coming  from  ;  we  found  that  some  bushes  along  a 
ridge  of  rocks  were  full  of  Rebels,  and  they  hit  us  both.  I  think 
it  \vas  "Bill"  Dollar  that  was  with  me,  and  they  hit  him  on  a 
heavy  bowie  knife  that  I  had  given  him  to  carry  for  me — it  was 
bent  nearly  double,  and,  no  doubt,  saved  his  life.  They  hit  me 
on  the  instep  as  my  foot  was  raised  to  take  a  step;  "Bill"  dropped 
his  musket  and  started  for  the  company  on  a  limp,  holding  his 
side.  I  followed  suit,  limping  also,  and  when  I  reached  the  com 
pany,  I  turned  my  musket  and  ran  the  bayonet  in  the  ground  and 
kept  on.  Some  of  the  boys  called  to  me  not  to  throw  my  gun 
away,  and  I  told  them  I  had  enough  to  carry  without  the  gun. 
They  said,  afterward,  they  did  not  know  I  was  wounded,  but 
thought  I  was  mocking  "Bill."  I  put  my  arms  around  t\vo  of 
the  boys  and  hopped  along  between  them — one  of  them  was  Chal- 
font,  and  he  reminded  me  of  what  I  had  told  him  in  the  night, 
that  I  would  be  killed  or  wounded.  In  the  excitement  of  the  morn 
ing  I  forgot  all  about  it.  Finding  I  \vas  losing  much  blood,  we 
stopped  along  the  pike  and  made  a  txvister  of  my  handkerchief  and 
a  stick.  Just  as  we  wrere  starting  on,  a  shell  struck  in 
the  pike  ahead  of  us,  about  where  we  would  have  been 
if  we  had  not  stopped.  As  it  looked  unhealthy  clown  the  pike, 
we  turned  to  the  right  and  went  through  a  hollow  in  the  woods. 
I  was  sitting  on  a  musket  with  my  arms  around  their  necks  and 
when  we  reached  the  other  side  of  the  woods,  wre  found  an  ambu 
lance  with  two  badly  wounded  men  in  it,  just  starting  to  the  field 
hospital.  I  asked  the  driver  if  he  had  room  for  me,  and  he  said 
he  had  if  I  could  sit  alongside  of  him,  which  I  w-as  thankful  to  do. 
We  soon  reached  the  hospital  and  I  \vas  carried  in  and  laid  on  the 
porch.  In  a  few  minutes  a  Massachusetts  woman  brought  me 
some  crackers  and  raspberry  vinegar.  Shortly  after  that  Chap 
lain  Evans  called  and  told  me  the  Colonel  had  just  been  brought 
in  wounded.  I  told  him  to  give  my  compliments  to  the  Colonel 

121 


and  tell  him  that  I  would  report  later  in  person.  Chaplain  Evans 
called  again  in  the  afternoon  and  told  me  that  the  Colonel  had  sent 
for  an  ambulance  and  intended  to  leave  the  field  hospital.  I 
requested  the  Chaplain  to  ask  him  if  he  had  room  for  me ;  he  soon 
returned  and  reported  that  the  Colonel  said  I  could  go  along. 

When  the  ambulance  came  the  Colonel  and  I  were  carried  out 
and  put  in.  After  we  had  gone  a  short  distance,  we  were  on  high 
ground,  and  the  driver  called  our  attention  to  a  beautiful  sight. 
From  our  elevation  we  could  see  the  two  lines  of  battle  advancing 
with  a  cornfield  between  them  that  obstructed  the  view  of  each 
other.  I  told  the  Colonel  that  the  only  thing  that  detracted  from 
the  view  was  that  we  were  right  in  line  for  the  high  shots,  when 
the  firing  would  commence.  Colonel  told  the  driver  not  to  tarry 
any  longer,  and  we  had  not  proceeded  far  when  we  met  fresh 
troops  coming  up,  who,  when  they  saw  the  ambulance  with 
wounded  in  it,  halted  and  broke  open  the  ammunition  boxes  and 
filled  their  cartridge  boxes. 

About  dusk  we  reached  a  nice  looking  house.  We  halted  and 
the  Colonel  arranged  for  the  night.  The  next  morning  we  went 
to  Boonesboro  and  put  up  at  the  hotel.  I  sent  for  the  landlord 
and  told  him  that  my  cash  on  hand  amounted  to  fifteen  cents,  and 
that  I  would  like  to  stay  with  him  until  I  could  communicate  with 
my  family.  His  answer  was  that  I  could  stay  as  long  as  I  wanted 
to  and  when  I  wanted  to  leave  he  would  furnish  me  the  money 
to  reach  home.  I  told  him  that  was  more  than  I  could  ask  of  a 
stranger.  The  next  day  (Friday,  September  iQth),  a  party  of 
Free  Masons,  from  West  Chester,  put  in  an  appearance,  looking 
after  Brother  Masons.  They  gave  the  Colonel  $100,  and  after 
they  left,  the  Colonel  rolled  $25  in  a  ball  and  threw  it  at  me, 
telling  me  to  get  home  as  soon  as  I  could.  I  gave  the  colored  man 
money  to  buy  me  a  citizen's  dress.  It  was  all  right,  except  the 
vest,  and  that  was  large  enough  for  a  2OO-pound  man  with  a  bay 
window — he  forgot  a  cap,  so  I  traded  caps  with  the  darkey.  I 
also  had  him  buy  me  a  pair  of  crutches,  which  I  still  have,  and 
!hey  have  often  been  in  active  service  in  the  neighborhood. 

The  next  morning,  I  engaged  a  man  to  take  me  to  Hagerstown. 
I  sent  for  the  landlord  to  settle  my  bill,  but  when  the  Colonel  found 
out  what  I  was  doing,  he  said  he  would  attend  to  that  and  told 
me  to  keep  my  money,  as  I  might  need  all  I  had  to  get  home  with. 
Shortly  after  starting  for  Hagerstown,  we  saw  where  the  Rebs 


had  encamped,  sleeping  on  piles  of  hay  in  the  fence  corners.  I 
asked  my  driver  to  get  me  some  to  make  me  more  comfortable, 
but  when  he  told  me  they  were  full  of  graybacks  I  changed  my 
mind,  thinking  it  were  better  to  "suffer  the  ills  we  have,  than 
fly  to  those  we  know7  not  of."  In  the  seat  in  front  of  me  was  a 
wounded  Captain  from  Philadelphia — a  three  years'  man.  The 
militia  men  wanted  to  know  how  I  got  wounded  when  in  citizen's 
dress.  My  yarn  was  that  I  was  visiting  a  regiment,  and  when 
I  saw7  the  Colonel  wounded  and  went  in  to  help  carry  him  off, 
I  got  shot — the  three  years'  man  said,  "that  story  is  all  right 
for  the  militia,  but  an  old  soldier  won't  swallow  it."  Then  I  told 
him  the  truth  and  my  reason  for  the  citizen's  dress.  I  asked 
him  to  see  me  through,  which  he  did.  We  arrived  at  Chambers- 
burg  after  dark  and  stopped  out  on  the  main  track,  and  in  a 
short  time  a  man  came  along  with  a  lantern  and  asked  if  there 
was  any  wounded  in  the  car.  I  told  him  I  was,  and  that  I  could 
not  walk — when  he  held  his  lantern  up,  I  recognized  him  and 
asked  him  if  he  was  not  in  the  Lochiel  Guards  in  the  three 
months  service ;  he  said  he  was,  and  I  told  him  of  relatives  I 
had  in  the  company  and  that  I  had  met  him  in  the  Treasury 
Building  at  Washington,  where  they  were  quartered.  He  told 
me  to  wait  and  he  would  have  a  wagon  take  me  to  their  hospital, 
which  proved  to  be  the  third  story  of  the  Town  Hall.  Well,  I 
had  a  happy  time  in  getting  up  those  stairs,  it  reminds  me  of  the 
old  darkey  on  the  tread-mill. 

When  I  entered  the  room  the  first  one  to  greet  me  was  my 
friend,  the  Captain,  and  he  had  a  mattress  reserved  for  me  along 
side  of  his.  There  was  an  old  minister  in  the  room  as  chaperone 
for  a  party  of  sweet  young  ladies — so  they  looked  to  me.  The 
old  fellow  handed  me  a  tract — it  was  on  lying.  As  I  had  been 
shooting  off  my  story,  I  thought  it  inappropriate  at  that  time. 
On  my  left,  there  was  an  old  fellow  who  was  shot  through  the 
hand  and  while  the  surgeons  were  dressing  his  wound,  he  kept 
groaning  and  patting  the  floor  with  his  foot.  When  my  turn 
came,  I  turned  on  my  side  and  cracked  jokes  with  the  Captain, 
and  when  they  were  through,  which  I  could  always  tell  by  their 
pinning-  the  bandage,  as  I  was  fearful  they  would  stick  me,  I 
thanked  them  fas  a  citizen).  While  they  were  dressing  my 
wound,  the  dear  girls  were  looking  on,  and  it  was  amusing  to 
hear  their  exclamations,  as,  Oh !  ain't  it  awful — Oh !  how  he 

123 


must  suffer,  etc.  The  minister  said  to  me,  "You  are  a  brave 
fellow !"  I  asked  why.  He  said  the  old  fellow's  wound  was  not 
near  as  bad  as  mine,  and  while  it  was  being  dressed  he  was  grunt 
ing  and  groaning  all  the  time.  I  told  him  that  he  watched  the 
surgeons  and  saw  when  they  were  going  to  hurt  him,  and  got 
his  groan  in  at  the  proper  time,  while  I  joked  with  the  Captain 
and  did  not  see  when  they  were  going  to  hurt  me,  and  the  hurt 
was  over  before  I  could  get  a  groan  in.  He  said,  "You  are  a 
philosopher.''  I  told  him  he  was  the  first  man  to  call  me  that. 
A  sweet  girl  sat  down  by  my  pillow — told  me  she  was  from 
Maryland,  and  that  I  had  been  fighting  for  her  home.  I  had 
made  a  confidant  of  her  on  the  citizen  question.  The  clock  struck 
10  and  the  old  minister  and  his  angels  departed.  Bright  and  early 
next  morning  I  was  up  and  started  off  to  find  the  depot.  I 
found  to  get  down  those  stairs  was  a  serious  question,  as  I  was 
not  used  to  my  crutches,  and  there  were  no  banisters.  I  scratched 
ni}'  head  for  ideas — they  came — I  made  a  sled  out  of  my  crutches 
and  started  to  slide  down  the  stairs — was  congratulating  myself 
on  the  scheme,  when  one  of  the  crutches  turned,  caught  and 
stopped,  I  didn't.  It  was  a  reminder  of  my  latter  end.  I  sent 
the  crutches  ahead  and  followed  after  on  hands  and  foot,  step 
by  step.  I  found  the  depot  and  a  Mason  from  Pottstown,  looking 
after  his  Brother  Masons  in  Col.  Brooke's  53d  Regiment.  Train 
arrived  from  Harrisburg  with.  Governor  Curtin  going  to  the 
battlefield.  After  waiting  several  hours,  there  was  a  train  stopped 
on  the  main  line  several  blocks  away  from  the  depot,  with  a  plowed 
field  between.  My  Masonic  friend  started  with  me  for  the  train, 
and  part  way  across  the  plowed  field,  I  gave  our,  being  weak, 
and  my  crutches  sinking  in  the  soft  ground.  I  handed  the  crutches 
to  my  friend,  and  started  to  crawl.  A  lot  of  farmers  on  the  train 
that  had  been  visiting  the  battlefield,  seeing  my  plight,  jumped  off 
and  ran  over  and  picked  me  up  and  put  me  on  board — they  could 
not  do  enough  for  me.  They  spread  their  blankets  on  the  freight 
car  floor,  and,  I  tell  you,  I  was  happy.  I  laid  on  my  back  and 
cracked  jokes  with  them.  One  farmer  from  Shippensburg  told 
me  he  had  a  boy  in  the  army  about  my  age,  and  insisted  on 
my  going  home  with  him.  He  had  a  good  doctor  and  would  take 
the  same  care  of  me  as  if  it  was  his  boy.  I  thanked  him,  but 
told  him  I  wanted  to  hurry  home,  as  in  a  short  time  I  would  not 
be  able  to  travel.  In  time  we  reached  Carlisle — train  stopped  in 

124 


centre  of  town.  I  was  getting  pretty  hungry,  as  I  hadn't  eaten 
that  day.  I  crawled  to  the  freight-car  door.  Several  young 
ladies  on  the  pavement  sent  a  little  girl  over  to  ask  me  if  I  was 
wounded.  She  called  back,  "Yes,  he  is  wounded."  Then  they 
all  came  over  to  my  door  with  lots  of  questions — presently  an 
old  German  woman  came  over  with  her  hands  under  her  apron. 
She  asked,  "Are  you  hungry?"  And  when  I  told  her  I  had  not 
eaten  that  day,  she  said  "The  poor  child !"  and  handed  me  a 
package  she  had  under  her  apron.  When  the  young  ladies  found 
I  was  hungry,  they  all  started  for  their  homes,  and  in  a  short 
time  I  had  provisions  enough  to  last  me  a  week.  Being  too  polite 
to  eat  in  their  company,  I  laid  at  the  door  and  chatted  with  them, 
endeavoring  to  answer  their  questions,  when  I  heard  from  the 
car  door,  the  exclamation,  "Well,  old  schoolmate,  what  are  you 
doing  here?"  I  asked  if  a  cousin  of  mine  was  about.  He  said 
he  just  \vent  up  the  street.  He  called  from  the  car  door,  tell 
-  his  cousin  is  here  wounded.  The  word  was  passed 
along  until  it  reached  him,  but  too  late.  After  wre  started,  I  took 
account  of  stock.  I  found  the  German  \voman's  package  con 
tained  two  large  slices  of  bread  and  preserves,  and  about  six 
inches  of  bologna  sausage — the  girls  brought  pies  and  cakes. 
I  divided  with  some  militia  men  that  were  on  the  car.  I  had  to 
change  cars  at  Bridgeport,  opposite  Harrisburg,  as  they  were  only 
going  to  take  a  passenger  car  thatnvas  in  front  to  Harrisburg. 
In  it  I  met  a  friend  that  told  me  that  a  dear  friend  was  in  Harris 
burg  assisting  my  uncle,  Hon.  H.  Jones  Brooke,  in  feeding  the 
militia.  I  sent  for  him  and  his  first  words  were,  "Your  sister 
is  here  waiting  for  yon.  She  was  going  to  the  battlefield  with 
liniment  and  bandages  and  other  supplies,  when  advised  by  Mr. 
Brooke  to  wait  in  Harrisburg  until  they  heard  from  a  party 
of  Masons,  who  had  gone  to  the  battlefield  several  days  ago  to 
look  after  the  regiment."  On  their  arrival  they  reported  having 
seen  me  at  Boonesboro,  and  I  was  making  my  way  to  Harrisburg. 
Sister  did  not  recognize  me  on  crutches,  looking  thin  and  haggard, 
until  I  was  close  to  her.  When  I  got  in  her  care  I  went  to 
sleep,  and  slept  for  twenty-four  hours.  I  had  lost  much  sleep 
as  I  had  to  stay  awake  to  keep  water  on  my  wound.  As  I  had 
sent  no  word  home,  I  \vas  puzzled  to  know  how  my  sister  knew 
of  my  being  wounded.  I  had  written  a  telegram  to  send  home, 
and  one  to  friends  in  Philadelphia,  intending  to  take  the  train  to 

125 


that  city  from  Harrisburg.  Michael  Langham,  a  man  who  had 
left  wife  and  children  and  went  with  me  to  Harrisburg  to  enlist 
and  was  one  of  my  mess,  with  another  of  our  mess  started  to 
hunt  me  up,  after  the  battle,  and  in  their  search  they  met  Chal- 
font,  and  were  told  that  I  was  wounded  in  the  foot,  and  that  he 
had  helped  me  to  the  hospital.  Langham  wrote  a  letter  to  his 
wife  telling  her  that  he  was  all  right,  but  that  I  was  wounded  in 
the  foot.  He  did  not  know  how  badly  as  he  had  not  seen  me. 
After  he  had  finished  his  letter  he  saw  twro  gentlemen  crossing  the 
battlefield  and  asked  them  if  they  would  mail  it  for  him.  They 
said  they  would,  and  looking  at  the  address — Norristown — said 
they  were  from  Chester  County.  Father,  going  to  Norristown 
on  Saturday  morning,  was  given  the  letter  for  Langhanrs  wife, 
as  it  was  in  his  care.  He  immediately  drove  home  and  gave  her 
the  letter.  She  told  him  of  my  being  wounded.  By  one  o'clock, 
sister  was  at  Radnor,  with  grip  packed,  ready  to  go  to  the 
front.  So  you  can  see  how  surprised  I  was  to  find  her  in  Harris 
burg,  when  I  arrived  there  Sunday  afternoon.  In  her  care  I  felt 
my  troubles  about  over.  My  first  act  was  to  report  to  the  Govern 
ment  Hospital,  and  they  sent  a  surgeon  to  see  me.  He  took  my 
regiment,  company  and  character  of  my  wound — from  that  time 
I  ceased  to  be  a  citizen,  and  became  a  soldier  again. 

I  attribute  my  life  to  the  kindness  of  Colonel  Hawley — who  was 
to  me  almost  a  stranger,  as  I  had  never  spoken  to  him  before  the 
morning  of  the  battle.  He  has  placed  me  under  a  debt  of  gratitude 
which  I  can  never  repay,  but  I  feel  confident  that  in  the  last  muster 
in  the  great  Beyond,  he  will  receive  his  reward.  I  am  reminded  of 
Leigh  Hunt's  poem  : — 

"And,  lo!  Ben  Adhem's  name  led  all  the  rest." 


126 


EDWARD  T.  HARLAN. 

A  private  in  Company  E,  of  the  124th;  was  promoted  to  Cap 
tain's  clerk  and  served  with  the  regiment  during  the  full  term  of 
enlistment.  When  Governor  Curtin  issued  his  proclamation,  in 
June,  1863,  for  50,000  men  to  serve  during  the  emergency,  Com 
rade  Harlan  assisted  in  recruiting  a  company  that  became  Com 
pany  E,  of  the  29th  Pennsylvania  Volunteer  Militia,  and  he  was 
elected  ist  Lieutenant  in  said  company.  For  several  years  prior  to 
the  printing  of  this  history  he  has  served  as  secretary  of  the  I24th 
Regimental  Association. 

The  following  extracts  are  from  his  diary : — 

August,  1862. 

4th.  Several  of  us  Hamorton  folks  went  up  to  West  Chester  to  see 
about  volunteering.  Very  exciting  times ;  Government  has  ordered  a  draft. 

6th.  1  went  up  to  West  Chester  again  to-day.  Men  are  volunteering 
very  fast. 

9th.  I  went  up  to  West  Chester;  the  volunteers  left  there  in  the  after 
noon  for  Harrisburg.  I  went  with  them,  and  arrived  at  10  o'clock  at 
night ;  had  supper  and  slept  in  the  Capitol. 

nth.  Left  Harrisburg  at  i  A.  M. ;  went  to  Wilmington  in  afternoon. 
I  concluded  to  go  back  and  try  to  get  in  Captain  Otley's  Company. 

I3th.  Father,  mother  and  I  left  for  Harrisburg,  and  arrived  about 
noon ;  went  out  to  camp.  Captain  Otley  wanted  another  man ;  T  got 
examined,  and  was  sworn  in  ;  had  hard  work  to  get  it  done.  This  is  my 
first  night  in  camp. 

I4th.  I  received  my  uniform ;  marched  into  Harrisburg  and  got  our 
guns.  Ordered  to  pack  up;  were  ready  at  4  P.  M.,  and  marched  to  cars; 
started  about  12,  midnight. 

I5th.  Arrived  at  Baltimore  at  9  A.  M.,  and  at  Washington  at  6  P.  M. ; 
had  supper  and  put  up  for  night  at  soldiers'  quarters. 

i6th.  Started  for  Virginia  about  2  P.  M. ;  marched  about  6  miles,  and 
encamped  at  sundown.  Had  to  wait  for  our  tents.  It  was  about  9  P.  M. 
before  we  had  them  pitched  and  our  supper  over.  Before  starting  from 
Washington  I  went  over  the  Capitol ;  it  is  very  large. 

I7th.     My  first  Sunday  in  camp;  it  did  not  seem  much  like  one. 

i8th.  Lieutenant  took  us  out  to  practice  stacking  arms ;  were  drilled  in 
afternoon. 

I9th.  Had  our  regimental  drill  by  regular  drill  master;  we  were  rather 
green. 

22d.  \Vas  detailed  on  guard  this  morning  for  first  time.  It  rained, 
morning  and  night.  Not  much  sport  in  guarding. 

23d.     Had  another  regimental  drill  this  afternoon  by  a  little  Dutchman. 

24th.  Moved  camp  about  3  miles  to  a  splendid  place  near  Fairfax 
Seminary. 

9  129 


25th.  I  went  about  2  miles  to  see  some  of  McClellan's  men  who  were 
being  shipped  back  to  Alexandria ;  they  look  very  wretched. 

27th.     Our  company  went  on  patrol  duty ;  I  had  to  keep  awake  all  night. 

28th.  We  were  ordered  to  fall  in  line  about  I  o'clock  in  the  night  in 
great  haste;  were  marched  up  to  the  captain's  tent  and  given  30  rounds 
of  cartridges.  Some  were  frightened. 

29th.  This  forenoon  the  regiment  was  ordered  to  fall  in  line  in  great 
haste ;  we  were  marched  about  100  yards,  and  then  brought  back  to  camp. 
Great  excitement.  It  was  done  to  see  how7  quickly  we  could  fall  in.  Some 
thought  we  were  going  right  into  a  fight. 

30th.  A  great  fight  going  on  near  Manassas ;  could  hear  the  cannons 
very  plainly. 

3 1 st.     Fighting  still  going  on.     Our  army  had  to  fall  back. 
September. 

ist.  They  are  still  fighting.  General  Stonewall  Jackson  is  nearly  sur 
rounded;  it  is  reported  that  he  has  300,000  men;  they  are  fighting  desper 
ately. 

2d.  We  had  no  breakfast  this  morning — ran  out  of  bread,  none  in 
camp;  quite  an  exciting  time  for  a  little  while.  The  fight  still  waging,  our 
men  in  front  are  falling  back;  great  number  of  wagons  pass  our  camp. 
We  fell  back  to  rear  of  Fort  Blenker  in  evening. 

6th.  Received  orders  to  get  ready  to  move ;  we  packed  knapsacks  and 
struck  tents;  leaving  them  in  camp,  we  started  at  7  P.  M.,  and  marched 
about  18  miles ;  some  of  us  much  fatigued,  lay  on  ground  two  hours,  and 
started  again. 

[XoTE  BY  HISTORIAN — The  above  is  a  record  of  the  commence 
ment  of  the  march  to  Antietam,  and  as  it  is  but  a  repetition  of  the 
details  as  furnished  by  Sergeants  Broomhall  and  Stager,  the 
intervening  dates  are  omitted  and  the  diary  of  Comrade  Harlan 
resumed,  commencing  with  September  I7th.] 

I7th.  We  were  awakened  about  4  o'clock  in  the  morning  by  picket 
firing,  and  were  ordered  to  fall  into  line,  without  breakfast.  We  were 
marched  in  line  of  battle  to  the  field  and  put  right  in  the  fight. 

The  regiment  became  divided  in  passing  the  Miller  farm  buildings,  and 
met  the  enemy  face  to  face  in  a.  cornfield.  We  lay  there  for  some  time, 
while  the  fire  from  both  armies  was  passing  over  us.  Being  close  upon 
the  enemy,  our  fire  had  a  telling  effect,  causing  them  to  fall  back,  after 
which  we  advanced  some  distance,  and  then  retired  to  the  protection  of 
a  battery. 

General  Mansfield  having  been  killed  and  our  colonel  wounded,  Captain 
Yarnall,  Company  D.  assumed  command  of  the  left  of  the  regiment. 
While  we  were  resting,  General  Hancock  approached  us.  and  the  follow 
ing  dialogue  took  place  : 

Genl.  H.     To  what  regiment  do  you  belong? 

Ans.     1 24th  Pennsylvania. 

130 


Genl.  H.     Where  is  your  colonel? 

Ans.     He  is  wounded  and  taken  from  the  field. 

Genl.  H.     Where  is  your  lieutenant-colonel? 

Ans.     Our  regiment  got  divided,  and  he  must  be  with  the  other  part. 

Genl.  H.     Where  is  your  major? 

Ans.     Don  t  know. 

Genl.  H.     Who  in  the  h — 1  has  command  of  you? 

Ans.     Captain  Yarnall. 

Genl.  H.     Send  him  to  me. 
The  captain  came  forward,  and  after  salutations : 

Genl.  H.     Have  you  command  of  these  men? 

Capt.     Yes,  sir. 

Genl.  H.  You  are  Pennsylvania  men  and  I  am  General  Hancock,  a 
Pennsylvania  man,  and  if  you  are  not  with  your  command,  I  will  take 
charge  of  you,  and  will  ask  you  to  support  my  battery. 

He  ordered  us  into  position,  and  said  that  he  had  never  yet  lost  a  piece, 
and  did  not  want  to  lose  one  that  day.  He  said  he  would  not  call 
us  unless  he  needed  us,  and  if  he  did,  he  wanted  us  to  come,  and  come 
a-yelling,  for  the  Rebels  were  the  devil  for  shot  and  shell,  but  they  could 
not  stand  the  bayonet  charge. 

The  enemy  had  massed  in  the  woods  in  the  rear  of  Dunker  Church,  and 
in  the  afternoon  were  drawn  out,  but  with  the  successful  management  of 
the  battery  they  were  forced  to  retreat.  So  we  were  not  called  upon  to 
make  the  charge,  much  to  the  honor  of  General  Hancock  and  our 
satisfaction. 

i8th.  Fighting  was  not  resumed.  Our  men  engaged  in  carrying  off 
the  wounded  and  burying  the  dead.  It  was  a  terrible  battle.  The  deacf 
and  wounded  lay  thick  on  the  ground.  We  threw  away  our  blankets 
yesterday;  I  got  another,  but  lost  my  overcoat. 

igth.  I  went  over  a  part  of  the  battlefield;  it  was  an  awful  sight;  the 
dead  were  laying  thick  in  some  places.  I  counted  eleven  close  together. 
The  Rebels  have  gone  towards  Harper's  Ferry.  We  started  after  them 
about  5  P.  M. 

2Oth.  Marched  until  I  o'clock  this  morning;  we  started  again  after 
breakfast  and  marched  over  the  mountain,  stopping  a  while  on  top.  The 
Rebels  crossed  the  river  at  Harper's  Ferry  yesterday  and  the  evening 
before.  Colonel  Miles  surrendered  the  Union  forces  at  the  ferry.  We 
proceeded  to  Sandy  Hook  in  the  afternoon. 

21  st,  Sunday.  We  went  down  to  the  river  and  shot  the  loads  from  our 
guns.  The  first  day's  rest  we  have  had  for  some  time. 

22d.     We  lay  quiet  all  day,  and  were  well  satisfied  to  do  it. 

23d.  After  breakfast  we  marched  to  the  mountain  near  Harper's  Ferry 
where  part  of  Colonel  Miles'  force  had  been  stationed.  It  is  a  high  and 
healthy  place.  Miles  spiked  the  large  field  guns  and  threw  them  off  their 
carriages,  three  of  them. 

24th.  Engaged  most  of  to-day  building  huts  of  brush,  etc.  It  is  thought 
we  will  stay  here  for  a  while.  The  Rebels  blew  up  the  railroad  bridge  after 
they  crossed. 


26th.  I  did  not  do  anything  to-day  but  cook  and  drill ;  we  have  great 
times  cooking  our  meals;  some  of  the  language  I  hear  would  not  be  very 
appropriate  for  a  prayer  meeting. 

2Qth.  Some  talk  in  the  papers  of  the  South  trying  to  make  a  com 
promise  with  the  North. 

October. 

ist.  We  received  some  boxes  from  home  to-day,  but  nearly  everything 
in  them  was  spoiled. 

3d.     We  received  our  tents  again. 

4th.  Our  tents  are  splendid  to  sleep  in.  General  Geary  inspected  our 
brigade;  he  is  a  fine  looking  man;  he  was  wounded  in  arm  at  Antietam. 

6th.  We  received  our  knapsacks  from  Virginia  to-day;  were  glad  to 
get  them. 

I2th.  Samuel  B.  Thomas,  Secretary  of  State  of  Pennsylvania,  presented 
us  with  our  State  Flag. 

27th.  Orders  were  read  on  dress  parade  that  we  were  changed  into  the 
Second  Brigade,  First  Division,  commanded  by  Brigadier-General  Kane, 
late  colonel  of  the  Bucktails. 

28th.  I  saw  General  Kane  to-day  for  the  first  time;  he  is  a  fine  looking 
little  man. 

2gth.  We  had  regimental  drill,  the  first  one  since  we  left  Virginia. 
General  Kane  came  out  and  shook  hands  with,  all  the  officers  and  then 
spoke  to  us. 

3Oth.  We  received  orders  to  pack  up  and  strike  tents,  and  be  ready  to 
march.  We  started  about  noon,  and,  crossing  at  the  ferry,  marched  over 
into  Virginia. 

3 1 st.     We  were  mustered  for  pay  in  the  afternoon. 

November. 

i st.  We  moved  a  short  distance  this  morning.  They  are  opening 
another  ball  down  the  valley;  the  cannonading  is  very  heavy. 

2d.  The  cannonading  is  still  going  on,  heavier  than  yesterday.  Four 
others  and  I  were  sent  out  to  guard  a  bridge  and  watch  for  Rebels. 

3d.  Last  night  was  cool  on  guard;  we  could  not  go  to  sleep,  as  we 
expected  to  be  molested  by  a  squad  of  Rebel  cavalry.  About  TO  o'clock 
last  night  a  soldier  was  out  stealing  chickens;  he  was  shot  at;  the  guards 
heard  it  at  camp,  and  they  all  fired  off;  the  men  were  called  out  in  line. 
Great  excitement. 

4th.  Nearly  all  the  regiment  out  on  picket  on  the  mountains.  Occa 
sionally  they  could  see  Rebel  squads  of  cavalry. 

9th.     Five  of  us  went  en  patrol  duty  to  a  bridge  near  a  mill. 

loth.  We  were  relieved  about  noon  by  a  squad  from  Company  F.  The 
miller  got  us  to  guard  his  house  and  mill  while  he  went  on  an  errand. 
J.  McFadden  ground  two  bushels  of  corn  while  the  miller  was  away; 
when  he  came  back  he  gave  us  pies  and  apples. 

I4th.     Orders  were  read  on  dress  parade  to  put  up  winter  quarters. 

1 5th.     A  corporal  and  twelve  men  of  our  company  were  detailed  to  go 

132 


to  Maryland  Heights  on  fatigue  duty.  There  is  to  be  a  fort  or  two  put 
up  there.  We  halted  in  the  Ferry  a  long  time,  both  going  and  coming. 

i6th.  We  went  back  to  the  Heights  again;  we  took  up  with  us  a  cannon 
from  a  battery  on  the  side  of  the  mountain.  It  was  a  3O-pounder  and 
weighed  about  6,500  pounds ;  it  went  up  rather  heavy,  with  200  of  us 
pulling  at  the  ropes. 

I7th.  The  regiment  was  called  out  at  I  o'clock  this  morning,  and 
marched  up  the  mountain  to  support  a  battery;  it  was  expected  the  Rebels 
would  make  an  attack,  but  they  did  not.  \Ve  were  left  in  line  until 
morning.  It  was  very  dark  and  raining.  We  remained  on  the  mountain 
all  day. 

i8th.  We  remained  on  the  mountain.  Foggy  all  day  and  rained  in  the 
afternoon.  We  put  up  some  tents. 

iQth.  Relieved,  about  10  o'clock  this  morning  by  the  Twentieth  Con 
necticut.  We  were  served  with  a  ration  of  whiskey  in  afternoon  for  the 
first  time. 

22d.  We  drew  some  clothes  to-day.  Had  a  brigade  review  by  General 
Kane  in  forenoon ;  it  was  a  pretty  sight. 

26th.  Colonel  Hawley  and  Captain  Otley  came  back  to-day.  The  men 
were  all  glad  to  see  the  colonel  and  gave  him  several  hearty  cheers;  he 
looks  the  worse  for  being  wounded — his  neck  is  still  stiff. 

27th.  Thanksgiving  Day,  appointed  by  the  President.  Had  dress 
parade  in  evening.  Several  salutes  were  fired  from  Maryland  Heights. 

29th.  I  went  out  on  picket  this  morning ;  stationed  at  a  school-house. 
In  evening  three  of  us  went  to  a  farmer's  to  watch  his  hen  roost.  Temple 
King  died  of  typhoid  fever  at  hospital  at  Harper's  Ferry. 

December. 

ist.  We  were  inspected  by  General  Kane  and  staff.  We  had  to  go  out 
with  our  knapsacks,  haversacks,  and  canteens  on.  The  inspection  was 
very  strict. 

3d.  Wre  commenced  to  clean  off  our  new  camp  ground.  Ordered  to 
put  up  winter  quarters  in  the  woods  back  of  our  present  camp. 

8th.  About  3  inches  of  snow  on  the  ground  and  very  cold.  The 
whole  regiment  was  out  cutting  and  drawing  logs  for  our  winter  quarters. 
It  was  quite  a  lively  time. 

gth.  The  snow  melted  some.  We  received  orders  about  noon  to  be 
ready  to  march  by  8  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

loth.  We  packed  up,  struck  tents,  and  marched  out  to  the  drill  ground 
to  form  the  brigade.  We  stayed  there  all  day.  General  Geary's  Division 
passed  by.  We  went  back  to  camp  at  sundown  and  put  up  our  tents. 

nth.  We  packed  up  again  this  morning.  Started  at  9  o'clock  and 
marched  out  Loudon  Valley  to  Willsborough,  turned  to  the  left,  and  kept 
on  until  the  evening.  Halted  for  the  night  after  having  marched  13  miles. 

I2th.  Got  up  at  3  o'clock  this  morning;  had  breakfast,  and  started  at 
5  o'clock.  The  ground  was  frozen  and  we  made  good  time,  passing 
through  Leesburg  about  9  o'clock.  We  made  15  miles  to-day. 

I3th.     Started  at  7  o'clock  in  the  morning;  roads  muddy.     Had  to  halt 

133 


to  let  General  Knipe's  Brigade  and  wagon  trains  pass.  Marched  8  miles 
and  stopped  for  dinner,  after  which  we  went  4  miles. 

I4th.  Sunday.  Started  at  8.30  o'clock  this  morning;  reached  Fairfax 
Court  House  at  i  P.  M.  We  did  not  stop  for  dinner.  We  left  the  pike 
at  Fairfax  Court  House  and  then  had  bad  roads.  Marched  about  12 
miles  to-day. 

I5th.  Started  at  6  o'clock  this  morning.  Roads  very  muddy.  Provision 
trains  and  artillery  could  move  but  slowly  and  we  could  not  go  faster. 
Stopped  a  half-hour  for  dinner,  then  continued  until  3  o'clock.  Made  10 
miles. 

i6th.  We  pitched  our  tents  last  night ;  it  rained,  and  the  water  ran 
under  us  before  we  got  up.  Started  without  breakfast.  Marched  very 
slowly  on  account  of  mud.  Stopped  at  2  o'clock  for  dinner,  then  pro 
ceeded.  Made  about  5  miles  the  entire  day. 

I7th.  Got  breakfast;  started  marching  at  5  o'clock.  Went  back  the 
way  we  came.  Marched  15  miles  to  Fairfax  Station.  It  was  a  hard 
march.  Snowed  part  of  the  day. 

i8th.  Had  drill  and  regimental  inspection.  They  drill  us  as  soon  as 
we  quit  marching. 

igth.     Drilled  to-day  and  had  a  review. 

2Oth.  Did  not  drill  to-day.  Worked  at  our  quarters,  cutting  and 
carrying  logs  for  our  bunk.  The  paymaster  was  here  and  paid  us  $27 
bounty. 

21  st.  We  logged  up  our  bunk  to-day,  plastering  between  the  logs  with 
clay ;  it  froze  as  we  put  it  on. 

22d.  Put  a  fireplace  in  our  bunk.  Captain  Otley,  of  our  company,  has 
resigned ;  he  has  not  been  with  us  since  we  left  London  Valley. 

23d.  We  elected  Lieutenant  Townsend  captain,  Second  Lieutenant 
Burnett  to  first  lieutenant,  and  they  appointed  Orderly  Townsend  second 
lieutenant.  They  would  not  allow  us  to  elect  our  second  lieutenant,  or 
we  would  have  elected  Burns  or  Auld. 

24th.  Our  company  subscribed  $60  towards  getting  a  sword,  sash  and: 
belt  for  our  newly-elected  captain,  Townsend. 

25th.     Christmas  in  camp.     Nothing  of  interest  to  relate. 

[NOTE — As  the  soldier  ate  the  army  rations  or  paced  the 
lonely  guard  beat,  he  could  not  but  think  of  the  loved  ones  at 
home  and  of  the  comforts  and  good  things  they  were  enjoying, 
and  while  he  may  have  wished  he  was  there,  heroically  he  bore 
his  disappointment  and  uttered  a  silent  prayer  that  God  would 
bless  them  at  home,  and  methinks  the  "Recording  Angel"  was 
kept  busy  as  he  noted  the  fervent  prayers  of  fathers,  mothers,, 
wives,  brothers  and  sisters  for  the  safe  return  of  their  loved  ones.] 

27th.  We  received  orders  to  get  ready  to  inarch  at  a  moment's  warning,, 
without  knapsacks. 

134 


[XoTK — What  can  be  more  expressive  of  the  uncertainty  of 
a  soldier's  life  than  the  two  lines  just  quoted;  a  few  days  prior 
they  were  cutting  logs  and  plastering  the  cracks  in  anticipation 
of  having  comfortable  quarters  for  quite  a  long  time.  The 
record  of  the  28th  says  :  | 

28th.  We  were  ordered  to  get  three  days'  rations  in  our  haversacks,  to 
take  our  blankets  and  shelter  tents  with  us.  We  started  at  8  o'clock  and 
marched  to  Occoquan  Creek ;  reached  it  about  noon,  and  lay  on  its  banks. 

29th.  A  very  heavy  frost  last  night.  We  lay  quiet  until  2  o'clock,  when 
we  started  back  to  camp.  We  marched  back  in  two  and  one-half  hours, 
about  7  miles.  The  general  said  we  were  expected  to  have  a  brush  with 
the  Rebels,  as  they  were  seen  near  our  camp  soon  after  we  left  yesterday, 
hut  we  did  not  see  them  on  our  return.  They  tore  up  some  of  the  railroad. 

3Oth.     We  did  not  drill  to-day.     Prepared  for  inspection. 

3 1 st.  We  were  mustered  by  our  colonel  for  pay.  Isaac  Henthorne,  of 
Company  E,  died  on  the  2Qth  in  hospital  at  Alexandria. 

January. 

ist.  We  presented  Captain  Townsend  with  his  sword;  it  is  a  splendid 
one. 

2d.  I  was  on  the  wood  and  water  squad  to-day.  Corporal  Auld  and 
seven  men  from  Company  E  were  detailed  to  guard  ordnance  stores  for 
ten  days.  I  was  one  of  the  number;  the  stores  were  about  I  mile  from 
camp ;  seven  men  went  from  each  regiment. 

3d.  We  have  an  easy  job;  on  guard  one  hour  to-day.  They  got  36 
green  mules  yesterday,  and  we  are  driving  them  to-day;  some  are  wild. 
General  Williams  reviewed  the  division. 

4th.  Our  division  (both  infantry  and  artillery)  was  reviewed  by 
Generals  Slocum  and  Williams  in  a  field  close  by  where  we  are  guarding. 
It  was  a  fine  sight. 

5th.  Geary's  Division  was  reviewed  by  General  Slocum.  Clark  Men- 
denhall  cut  my  hair. 

7th.     A  windy  and  cold  day ;  unpleasant  guarding. 

8th.  Only  stood  guard  an  hour  this  morning;  it  was  quite  cold,  and 
snowed  some.  Our  regiment  went  out  on  a  scout  in  the  evening — got  lost 
from  the  general. 

gth.     Great  cheering  in  Knipe's  Brigade  this  evening. 

I2th.  Ten  days  were  up  this  evening;  no  one  came  to  relieve  us,  so  we 
kept  on. 

I3th.  Xo  relief  came;  the  lieutenant  of  wagon  train  went  to  see 
General  Kane  about  it  (he  is  acting  division  general)  ;  he  detailed  us  for 
ten  days  more.  We  received  orders  to  prepare  to  march  within  six  or 
twelve  hours.  We  boiled  some  meat. 

I4th.     Roads  very  muddy.     No  orders  to  move. 

i6th.  Taylor  Windle  came  up  from  camp  and  told  me  there  was  a 
barrel  there  for  me ;  I  went  with  him.  Everything  in  it  was  splendid.  It 

135 


contained    a    turkey     (roasted),    boots,    gum    overcoat,    apples,    sausage, 
scrapple,  etc.,  etc. 

I7th.  Cold  this  morning;  two  hours  on  guard  seemed  long.  I  went 
into  camp.  Had  roast  turkey  for  dinner;  it  was  fine.  There  were  four 
of  us ;  we  had  a  good  time.  We  received  orders  to  march  by  daylight ;  we 
cooked  some  meat.  Orders  have  been  flying  around  lively  to-day. 

i8th.  Orders  to  move  countermanded  until  to-morrow  morning.  Clark 
and  I  did  some  washing ;  made  a  cap  cover  apiece  out  of  my  gum  blanket. 
We  cooked  some  meat  and  fixed  up  ready  for  marching. 

iQth.  The  drivers  commenced  feeding  their  horses  and  mules  and 
bringing  them  over  to  the  wagons ;  some  of  the  mules  hard  to  catch ; 
swearing  done  to  perfection.  We  expected  to  start  early,  but  did  not  get 
off  until  i  P.  M.  We  crossed  the  Occoquan  again,  and  went  beyond  about 
4  miles;  we  made  12  miles  in  all. 

2Oth.  Started  at  7  o'clock  this  morning;  went  through  Dumfries,  and 
continued  2  miles.  Made  10  miles  to-day ;  rained,  and  we  got  some  wet. 
Dumfries  is  a  very  poor  place,  only  a  few  houses  in  it.  Roads  are  frozen 
with  deep  ruts  in  places ;  horses  and  mules  got  their  feet  fast,  fell  down, 
and  had  a  gay  time. 

2ist.  Rained  all  night  and  day;  were  late  starting.  Roads  awful  bad; 
wagons  stalling  all  the  time — had  to  pull  each  other  out ;  some  of  the 
teams  hardly  got  started.  We  only  went  4  miles. 

22d.  We  sat  up  all  night  by  the  fire  in  the  rain  and  mud.  the  mud  about 
half  knee  deep.  Raining  this  morning ;  we  unloaded  some  of  the  wagons 
and  sent  them  back  to  help  others  along.  The  roads  are  still  awful ;  the 
teams  stalled  so  often  that  we  could  not  get  along ;  only  made  4  miles. 
Our  rations  gave  out  this  evening — and  no  signs  of  getting  more. 

23d.  It  looks  like  clearing  off,  but  does  not  get  it  done.  Wagons  did 
not  all  get  up  last  night.  We  unloaded  some  and  sent  them  back  to  help 
others ;  part  of  the  train  went  on  ;  the  Connecticut  boys  went  with  them ; 
the  rest  of  the  train  came  in  the  evening,  we  stayed  all  night.  Got  no 
rations  yet ;  we  begged  some  crackers,  I  parched  some  corn,  had  bean 
soup  for  supper.  News  came  that  Burnside  was  20  miles  below 
Fredericksburg. 

24th.  Started  again  this  morning;  had  nothing  for  breakfast  except  a 
little  coffee  without  sugar.  W'ent  about  4  miles  to  Stafford  Station ;  halted 
a  little  while  by  the  brigade  commissary,  where  we  begged  a  few  crackers. 
We  soon  corraled  and  stopped  for  the  night.  We  got  a  few  rations  from 
camp. 

25th.  Got  some  breakfast  and  five  pounds  of  crackers ;  signed  the  pay 
rolls  this  evening,  are  to  be  paid  to-morrow.  Jesse  Greenfield,  of  Company 
E,  died  of  typhoid  fever  to-day  in  hospital  at  Alexandria. 

26th.  Paymaster  is  in  camp  at  last;  paid  us  three  months'  wages.  I 
was  paid  from  July  28th  to  November  ist.  I  received  $40.73,  and  sent 
home  $30. 

27th.  About  half  our  regiment  went  out  3  miles  on  picket  duty;  wet  all 
day;  had  an  unpleasant  time  picketing  for  deserters. 

136 


28th.  Commenced  snowing  about  4  o'clock  this  morning;  we  were 
relieved  at  noon,  went  back  to  camp  ;  had  a  wet  tramp. 

29th.     Continued  snowing  until  noon;  it  is  about  6  inches  deep. 
February. 

4th.  One  of  the  coldest  days  we  have  had.  I  went  to  brigade  commis 
sary  for  some  things;  all  I  could  get  was  five  pounds  of  hardtack — rations 
rather  scarce. 

5th.  Snowed  in  morning,  turned  to  rain  in  afternoon.  I  was  on  camp 
guard;  we  had  six  relieves;  very  unpleasant  standing. 

7th.  Harry  Davis  and  I  went  to  the  shoemakers  in  the  82d  Ohio 
Regiment  to  get  our  boots  mended ;  I  had  burned  mine  at  the  toe. 

8th.  A  splendid  day ;  birds  singing,  very  spring-like.  Our  company 
went  out  on  picket  this  morning;  did  not  go  far,  as  our  line  is  changed. 
The  password  to-night  is  "Old  Point." 

pth.  We  were  relieved  early  this  morning.  Quite  a  talk  in  camp  about 
the  regiment  being  brigaded  again.  Some  say  we  will  be  sent  to  the  front, 
and  others  say  we  are  going  back  toward  Washington.  Had  regimental 
drill. 

nth.  Company  F  and  ours  went  to  work  on  a  corduroy  road.  It 
commenced  to  snow  and  rain  about  I  P.  M. ;  we  quit  and  went  back  to 
camp.  General  Kane  is  having  the  road  made  to  his  landing,  about  3 
miles.  It  is  quite  a  job,  and  will  take  some  time  to  finish  it  the  way  we 
work ;  we  do  not  go  at  it  very  hard. 

I2th.  Was  out  drilling  to-day.  Lieutenant  Newlin  took  command  of 
our  company  while  we  tried  the  skirmish  drill,  the  first  time  I  had  drilled 
it ;  our  captain  does  not  understand  it — he  knows  nothing  but  the  old- 
style  of  forward  march,  etc. 

I3th.  Company  F  and  ours  went  out  on  picket ;  the  password  for 
to-night  is  "Hambleton." 

I4th.  Last  night,  while  on  picket,  I  slept  on  two  logs  in  front  of  the 
fire;  burned  one  side,  froze  the  other;  no  one  came  along  to  bother  us. 
Relieved  this  morning,  went  into  camp.  Nothing  new  to  be  heard  or  seen. 
Corporal  Taylor  got  a  furlough  to  go  home  for  ten  days ;  several  are  going 
home  from  the  regiment;  the  adjutant  and  a  captain  or  two  are  now  at 
home. 

I5th.  Rained  most  of  the  day;  very  dull  in  camp;  we  lay  in  our  tents, 
get  lonesome  this  kind  of  a  day ;  do  not  know  what  to  do  or  how  to  do  it. 

i6th.  We  went  out  on  corduroy  road  again ;  I  did  not  feel  very  well 
and  did  not  do  a  bit  of  work.  Soldiers  will  not  work  hard. 

I7th.  Snowed  all  day ;  about  6  inches  fell,  mixed  with  rain.  Very 
unpleasant  and  dismal  in  camp  on  such  a  day. 

i8th.  Stopped  snowing  and  turned  to  rain,  a  very  disagreeable  day. 
Our  company  ordered  out  on  picket.  I  had  the  good  luck  to  miss  it. 

igth.  On  camp  guard  to-day ;  we  have  eleven  reliefs,  only  two  on  at  a 
time.  Bought  a  pound  of  butter  for  65  cents ;  quite  a  good  price,  and  a 
little  strong.  The  picketers  came  in ;  it  rained  hard  all  night,  and  they 
had  a  bad  time  of  it. 

2Oth.     Cleared    off.      Harry   and    I    did    some    washing — two   shirts,    one 

137 


pair  drawers,   and   one   pair   of  hose   each ;   do   not   think   much   of   being 
washerwoman. 

21  st.  Our  company  went  on  fatigue  duty  on  that  corduroy  road.  I  had" 
the  good  luck  to  miss  going. 

22d.  Commenced  snowing  last  night  and  continued  through  to-day; 
snowed  fast  all  the  time,  keeping  us  in  our  bunks  most  of  the  day.  Heard 
a  great  number  of  guns  fired  off  in  honor  of  Washington's  Birthday;  had 
it  been  a  fine  day,  a  greater  demonstration  would  no  doubt  have  been  made. 

23d.  Company  F  and  ours  received  orders  to  get  three  days'  rations. 
take  shelter  tents,  and  report  for  three  days'  fatigue  duty;  we  went  to 
Captain  John  P.  Green,  of  General  Kane's  staff,  and  he  said  that  he  had 
received  a  telegram  that  we  were  not  wanted.  We  went  back  to  our 
quarters,  all  well  pleased.  Snow  is  about  8  inches  deep. 

24th.  Snow  is  not  melting  much.  We  cut  and  brought  in  a  lot  of  wood ; 
it  is  getting  scarce  near  camp.  We  drew  three  loaves  of  soft  bread  to-day. 

25th.  Company  F  and  ours  went  out  on  picket.  I  got  on  the  post  with 
the  lieutenant  and  sergeant,  ten  of  us  together  next  to  the  landing;  we 
stood  about  one  and  a  half  hours  each.  The  captain  of  the  picket  came 
at  8  o'clock.  He  said  that  he  had  received  orders  from  the  general  that 
three  brigades  of  Rebel  cavalry  were  in  our  rear,  and  that  it  was  thought 
they  intended  to  make  a  raid  on  the  landing. 

26th.  It  commenced  to  rain  at  2  o'clock  this  morning;  we  were  relieved 
at  9  o'clock ;  when  we  started  for  camp  it  \vas  foggy  and  we  got  lost,  and 
came  out  below  the  I25th  Pennsylvania.  The  Rebel  cavalry  did  not  put 
in  an  appearance.  The  I25th  Regiment  was  out  watching  for  them. 

27th.  I  took  one  of  my  boots  to  the  shoemaker;  it  is  burned.  We  drew 
three  days'  rations  of  fresh  bread  again  to-day.  Received  orders  to  be 
ready  to  go  on  picket  duty  in. the  morning. 

28th.  Company  F  and  ours  went  on  picket  this  morning.  We  got  at 
the  farthest  post  up  the  creek.  Our  regiment  was  mustered  for  pay ;  the 
orderly  gave  an  account  of  where  we  were,  which  made  us  all  right. 
Chalkley  Taylor  died  in  his  bunk  this  morning  of  typhoid  fever;  he  had 
not  been  sick  long. 
March. 

ist.  Commenced  to  rain  about  I  A.  M.,  continued  until  we  were 
relieved ;  had  a  bad  night  of  it.  We  were  not  troubled  with  any  visitors. 
James  Entrikin  died  to-day  in  the  hospital  in  Washington. 

2d.  All  of  our  regiment  that  were  able  and  not  on  other  duty  went  out 
to  work  on  our  new  bunks ;  we  are  going  to  move  to  a  splendid  place, 
about  2  miles  from  our  present  camp.  I  worked  writh  John  W.  Ferrill  and 
Joseph  Girtley;  we  had  but  one  axe  between  us;  we  carried  logs  enough 
for  two  bunks. 

3d.  Company  A  and  ours  went  out  on  picket ;  they  changed  the  picket 
line  this  morning,  putting  it  farther  out.  General  Williams  reviewed  the 
division  to-day;  we  missed  it. 

4th.  Company  K,  of  our  regiment,  relieved  us  this  morning.  We  went 
in  by  our  new  camp  ground.  General  Kane  had  the  brigade  out  on  review. 
We  received  orders  to  be  ready  for  inspection  to-morrow.  I  received  a 

138 


box  from  home;  everything  is  splendid.  Jake  and  Bill  also  got  theirs, 
and  the  things  are  good.  We  will  live  fine  for  a  while. 

5th.  We  formed  in  line  for  inspection,  but  no  inspection  officer  came, 
and  we  were  dismissed  and  ordered  to  be  ready  for  to-morrow. 

6th.  Lay  all  day  in  readiness  for  inspection,  but  it  did  not  come  off. 
Our  company  received  orders  to  be  ready  for  picket  to-morrow.  Company 
A  presented  their  captain  (Roberts)  w7ith  a  sword;  it  is  a  splendid  one. 

9th.  The  pickets  did  not  go  out,  ordered  to  stay  in  for  inspection. 
Lieutenant-colonel  of  the  46th  Pennsylvania  Volunteers  came  in  afternoon 
and  inspected  us;  our  company  took  the  "rag  off  the  bush" — had  the  best 
guns.  Company  H  buried  one  of  their  men  (J.  Ephraim  Lobb)  to-day;  a 
great  many  of  the  regiment  went  up  to  see  him  buried. 

loth.  Snowed  and  rained.  The  pickets  went  out  this  morning.  Orders 
came  to  move  to  new  quarters ;  some  of  our  company  got  moved. 

nth.     Nearly  all  the  regiment  moved  into  the  new  quarters. 

I2th.  The  regiment  was  called  into  line  at  3  o'clock  this  morning  and 
kept  in  line  until  daylight ;  the  Guerillas  are  in  our  rear ;  the  whole  division 
was  up,  as  an  attack  was  feared. 

I3th.  As  a  precaution  against  an  attack,  the  regiment  was  ordered  into 
line  at  4  A.  M.,  and  kept  there  until  daylight. 

I4th.  I  did  some  washing;  we  fixed  our  chimney,  building  it  higher; 
it  would  smoke ;  it  does  finely  since  we  fixed  it.  We  received  orders  to  be 
ready  to  go  on  picket  duty  to-morrow  morning. 

I5th.  Company  A  and  ours  went  out  on  picket;  they  went  to  the  mill 
and  we  to  the  landing.  Much  thundering  and  lightning  in  the  evening 
and  at  the  same  time  it  was  snowing  and  hailing  right  fast.  The  Yorkers 
had  oysters  for  sale  at  the  landing;  we  captured  some  during  the  night, 
had  a  good  time  eating  them ;  some  were  frozen,  but  they  were  real  good. 

i6th.  Company  G  relieved  us  this  morning.  When  McNelly  and  I 
came  off  guard,  at  i  A.  M.,  we  went  to  the  oyster  bed  and  got  about  half 
a  bushel ;  we  took  them  up  to  the  fire  and  had  a  good  feast.  Taylor  got 
a  box  from  home;  the  things  kept  good  in  it.  I  went  after  my  boot  that 
I  had  given  the  shoemaker  to  mend,  but  did  not  get  it ;  he  had  lost  it. 

1 7th.  A  pleasant  day  for  St.  Patrick.  Early  this  morning  we  received 
orders  to  clean  and  pack  up  and  be  ready  to  be  reviewed  by  General 
Hooker.  We  formed  in  line  at  2  P.  M.,  and  went  to  the  drill  ground. 
General  Kane  put  us  through  for  a  while,  then  General  Williams  reviewed 
us.  General  Hooker  did  not  come.  We  had  a  fine  breakfast  and  dinner 
out  of  Taylor's  box. 

i8th.  We  went  out  to  drill  this  morning.  General  Kane  took  charge 
for  a  short  time,  when  we  received  orders  that  we  were  to  be  reviewed  at 
noon ;  we  went  to  camp,  got  our  knapsacks,  fixed  up,  and  wrent  out  near 
Stafford ;  the  whole  division  was  out  there,  and  we  were  reviewed  by 
General  Slocum.  We  expected  to  see  General  Hooker,  but  he  did  not 
come.  A  short  while  after  we  returned  to  camp,  the  officers  all  along  the 
line  shouted  "fall  in,  fall  in  ;"  we  were  soon  in  line. 

iQth.  Company  D  and  ours  went  on  picket  this  morning;  they  went  to 
the  mill,  and  we  to  the  landing.  The  division  was  reviewed  by  General 

139 


Hooker.     I  did  not  get  to  see  him.     There  are  a  great  many  ducks  flying 
about  the  landing. 

2oth.  We  were  relieved  by  Company  I  this  morning;  we  did  not  receive 
any  countersign  last  night.  It  commenced  to  snow  at  7  A.  M.  and  kept  it 
up  all  day. 

21  st.  Snow  and  rain.  It  is  reported  that  we  are  to  be  brigaded  again, 
the  I25th  Pennsylvania  Volunteers  and  our  regiment  to  leave  this  brigade. 
22d.  Report  this  morning  said  we  are  to  go  in  General  Geary's  Division; 
his  headquarters  are  now  at  Acquia  Creek  Landing,  and  we  are  to  move 
in  a  few  days.  We  received  orders  about  noon  to  clean  our  guns  and  be 
ready  for  inspection  at  three.  We  are  still  condemned,  so  we  are  going  to 
try  it  again.  The  major  of  the  2Oth  Connecticut  reviewed  us;  our  guns 
looked  fine. 

23d.  Our  company  and  D  went  on  picket ;  we  got  to  the  mill  this  time. 
We  received  orders  to  be  ready  to  march  to-morrow  morning. 

24th.  We  formed  in  line  and  started  about  9  this  morning.  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  Litzenberg  led  us;  he  got  lost,  and  the  regiment  became  divided. 
We  had  a  gay  time  getting  to  Acquia  Landing ;  reached  there  about  I 
P.  M.  We  are  now  in  General  John  W.  Geary's  Division,  the  Second. 

25th.  General  Kane  had 
the  brigade  out  on  review ; 
he  has  five  regiments  now — 
29th,  i 09th,  nith,  I24th, 
and  I25th,  all  Pennsylvania 
troops.  The  general  made 
a  speech  to  the  officers, 
shook  hands  with  them, 
and  made  quite  a  fuss. 
Some  of  the  boys  are  log 
ging  up ;  we  cut  and  carried* 
ours. 

26th.  We  logged  our 
bunk  up,  four  logs  high ; 
did  not  put  any  fireplace 
in  it  this  time,  thought  it 
would  not  pay.  -Harry  was 
detailed  as  clerk  for  Cap 
tain  John  P.  Green,  assist 
ant  adjutant-general  of 
General  Kane's  staff.  Our 
captain  then  detailed  me  as 
his  clerk,  in  Harry's  place; 
it  exempts  me  from  picket 
and  guard  duty,  etc. 

27th.  General  Geary  re- 
Viewed  our  brigade;  after 
that,  General  Kane  put  us 

through  several  times,  passing  review,  etc.    Had  dress  parade  in  afternoon, 

140 


JOHN  W.  GEARY, 
MAJOR-GENERAL. 


and  the  colonel  told  us  that  we  would  be  reviewed  to-morrow  by  Andrew 
G.  Curtin,  Governor  of  Pennsylvania. 

28th.  Captain  and  25  men  of  our  company  went  cut  on  fatigue  duty,  to 
work  on  the  railroad;  it  rained  so  hard  that  they  came  in  about  noon.  The 
review  did  not  come  off. 

2Qth.     Had  company  inspection  by   Lieutenant-Colonel    Litzenberg. 

30th.  Were  inspected  in  morning  by  Lieutenant  Thomas  Lieper,  of 
General  Kane's  Staff.  General  Kane  was  also  there,  and  had  us  go  through 
the  manual  of  arms,  etc.  Regimental  drill  and  dress  parade  in  afternoon. 
Snowed  in  evening. 

3 1  st.  Snow  continued  this  morning,  then  turned  to  rain.  Cleared  off 
in  evening,  and  we  had  parade. 

April. 

ist.  Ball  playing  the  leading  amusement  this  morning.  Company  D 
had  a  sham  dress  parade;  it  was  right  good.  Regimental  and  brigade  drill 
in  afternoon. 

2d.  Regimental  drill  in  forenoon.  Generals  Slocum  and  Geary  inspected 
the  camp  in  the  afternoon.  A  man  is  going  through  the  regiment  getting 
subscriptions  for  a  soldiers'  memorial ;  nearly  all  of  our  company 
subscribed. 

5th.  Snowed  in  the  morning  and  continued  until  nearly  noon.  Captain 
and  40  men  of  our  company  were  on  fatigue  duty  at  the  landing.  This 
is  Easter  Sunday,  but  we  had  no  eggs,  and  had  to  be  satisfied  with  hard 
tack.  President  Lincoln  went  down  the  railroad  towards  Falmouth. 

gth.  The  regiment  was  out  drilling  in  the  forenoon  and  cleaning  up 
camp  in  the  afternoon.  The  President  is  to  review  the  Eleventh  and 
Twelfth  Corps  to-morrow^  near  Stafford  Court  House. 

loth.  We  started  early  this  morning  for  the  review;  we  reached 
Stafford  Court  House  some  time  before  the  President  made  his  appear 
ance.  He  came  on  the  field  with  General  Hooker;  his  wife  and  son  were 
there,  also  Generals  Slocum,  Geary,  Williams,  Kane,  Green,  Knipe, 
Gordon,  and  others.  The  President  reviewed  us  and  we  passed  in  front 
of  him,  and  when  we  returned  to  camp  it  was  nearly  sundown ;  we  were 
quite  tired. 

nth.  We  wrere  mustered  this  forenoon  by  Lieutenant-Colonel  Litzen 
berg.  About  noon  there  was  quite  a  volley  of  musketry,  with  some 
artillery,  towards  the  front.  We  heard  it  very  plainly.  The  whole  brigade 
was  called  into  line,  our  regiment  went  to  the  front  of  the  camp  of  the 
I25th  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  and  stacked  arms;  it  proved  they  had  no 
use  for  us,  and  we  went  back  to  our  quarters. 

I2th.  The  regiment  was  inspected  this  morning  by  our  lieutenant- 
colonel,  and  in  the  afternoon  by  General  Kane;  it  was  not  very  satisfac 
tory,  and  it  is  to  be  done  over  again  to-morrow. 

I3th.  The  boys  busy  all  forenoon  cleaning  their  guns,  etc.  Had 
regimental  inspection  in  afternoon. 

I4th.  We  received  orders  to  prepare  to  march  by  to-morrow  noon,  with 
five  days'  rations  in  knapsack  and  three  in  haversack ;  also  ordered  to 

141 


send  away  our  surplus  clothing.  I  sent  my  overcoat,  dress  coat,  and  two 
pairs  hose;  took  them  to  the  quartermaster — they  were  sent  to  Washington. 

I5th.  Preparing  for  the  march;  some  very  strict  orders  read  in  regard 
to  straggling,  etc.  We  are  to  have  five  days'  rations  of  hard  bread,  sugar, 
coffee  and  salt  in  our  knapsacks  by  taps  to-night. 

i6th.  Rained  harder  at  times  than  it  has  before  since  we  have  been  out. 
Expected  orders  to  march,  but  none  came ;  we  were  well  pleased.  Report 
says  we  are  to  be  paid  to-morrow.  - 

1 7th.  No  marching  orders  yet.  The  paymaster  (Major  Sherman)  came 
to  headquarters  about  noon;  he  paid  the  I25th,  then  ours.  We  received 
four  months'  pay  ($52).  Captain  is  going  to  send  the  money  to  Chester 
County  Bank  and  give  checks  to  the  men. 

1 8th.  Captain  and  I  counted  the  money  to  be  sent  home ;  there  was 
$3,161,  of  which  the  captain  sent  $500,  first  lieutenant,  $300,  and  second 
lieutenant,  $370.  We  sent  it  by  express. 

ipth.  The  knapsacks  of  regiment  were  inspected  by  Captain  Bailey ;  he 
wanted  to  see  if  all  had  five  days'  crackers  in  them.  General  Hooker  had 
consultation  with  President  Lincoln,  Secretary  Stanton  and  General 
Halleck  on  a  boat  at  the  landing. 

2Oth.  An  order  came  into  camp  from  General  Hooker  to  be  read  to 
every  company  of  nine  months'  and  two  years'  men,  now  in  the  field,  in 
reference  to  re-enlisting,  promising  a  furlough  of  thirty  days  to  all  who 
would  re-enlist ;  it  had  little  effect  in  our  company,  as  all  want  to  go  home 
too  badly. 

21  st.  We  were  called  into  line  early  this  morning,  without  guns,  etc., 
marched  out,  and  formed  three  sides  of  a  hollow  square;  the  major  made 
a  few  remarks  relative  to  our  time  being  nearly  up  and  the  duty  we  still 
owe  our  country,  etc.  He  then  read  the  order  of  yesterday  again,  also 
a  report  of  the  line  officers  as  to  the  feelings  of  the  men  in  regard  to  it, 
which  was  unanimously  adopted. 

22d.     Regimental  and  company  drill  and  target  practice. 

23d.  Rained  hard  at  times ;  nothing  going  on,  kept  close  to  our  bunks 
all  day. 

26th.  Orders  to  march  to-morrow  morning  with  eight  days'  rations  of 
hard  bread,  coffee,  sugar,  salt,  and  three  days'  of  pork. 

[NoTE  BY  HISTORIAN — The  records  from  this  date  to  May  6th 
include  details  of  the  march  and  the  part  the  I24th  took  in  the 
battle  of  Chancellorsville.] 

27th.  We  started  at  7  this  morning,  marched  through  Stafford  Court 
House,  and  on  toward  the  Rappahannock ;  did  not  stop  for  dinner,  but 
continued  on  until  6  o'clock.  Made  about  15  miles. 

28th.  The  adjutant  came  around  at  3  o'clock  to  wake  the  men.  He 
said  we  were  to  start  at  4.30.  We  marched  by  Hartwood  and  Grovewood 
churches,  halted  an  hour  to  cook  coffee,  then  marched  on,  quite  fast  at 
times;  halted  in  a  woods  at  5.30  for  the  night;  marched  about  20  miles, 
some  say  more. 

142 


29th.  Called  up  at  4  this  morning;  starting  at  6,  we  crossed  the 
Rappahannock  at  Kelly's  Ford  early  in  the  forenoon,  marched  very  hard 
part  of  the  time.  While  stopping  in  the  afternoon  for  dinner,  the  Eleventh 
Corps  passed  us.  We  crossed  the  Rapidan  at  10  o'clock  in  the  evening — 
it  was  a  splendid  sight.  We  took  about  60  prisoners,  they  being  engaged 
in  building  a  bridge  over  the  river.  Marched  12  miles ;  rained  at  times. 

30th.  Started  at  8  this  morning,  our  regiment  being  in  the  advance; 
heavy  skirmishing  in  our  rear.  Rebels  shelled  our  train  with  two  pieces 
of  artillery,  but  did  no  harm.  We  took  several  prisoners;  they  talk  very 
spunky.  Stopped  at  4  o'clock  along  a  cart  road  in  the  woods.  Made  about 
15  miles. 

May. 

i st.  Inspected  and  mustered  in  the  morning.  Our  division  went  out 
about  ii  o'clock,  had  a  skirmish,  and  took  a  ford.  We  came  back  to 
where  we  stayed  last  night ;  the  Rebels  following  us,  had  quite  a  skirmish. 
We  put  up  breastworks  in  the  night  with  our  bayonets  and  plates ;  it  was 
a  splendid  sight. 

2d.  Worked  and  lay  on  our  arms  all  night.  Commenced  fighting  at 
sunrise.  The  Rebels  came  up  the  plank  road  in  solid  column ;  our  artillery 
opened  on  them,  and  mowed  them  down  awfully.  They  fell  back ;  it  was 
sharp  while  it  lasted.  We  were  ordered  out  in  the  afternoon,  went  down 
the  plank  road,  had  quite  a  heavy  fight ;  we  fell  back  in  our  intrenchments. 

3d.  Artillery  fighting  kept  up  all  night ;  it  was  splendid.  The  Rebels 
opened  on  our  center  at  daylight ;  hard  fighting ;  the  Eleventh  Corps 
broke,  and  wre  had  to  retire  from  our  intrenchments.  I  got  lost  from  the 
company.  The  Rebels  shelled  and  burned  our  hospital  and  came  nearly 
up  to  our  cannon.  \Villiam  Otley  was  wounded.  I  left  my  knapsack,  the 
bullets  coming  too  thick  and  fast  for  me  to  bother  with  it.  Several  of  us 
fell  back  toward  the  river.  Had  no  coffee,  not  allowed  to  make  a  fire. 

4th.  The  Rebels  opened  with  a  battery  at  daylight;  they  tried  to  shell 
our  hospital  across  the  river;  our  cavalry  soon  captured  the  battery.  Our 
squad,  that  had  remained  near  the  river  all  night,  went  down  to  the  ford, 
got  crackers,  and  then  returned  to  our  regiment.  We  lay  quiet  until 
evening,  when  Colonel  Higgins,  of  the  I25th  Pennsylvania,  marched  his 
and  our  regiment  to  the  rear  of  Green's  Brigade. 

5th.  We  remained  in  rear  of  Green's  Brigade  all  night,  firing  at  times, 
but  not  close.  Cannonading  kept  up  all  night  about  Fredericksbnrg.  We 
lay  by  our  guns  ready  to  move  at  a  moment's  notice.  This  morning  we 
were  ordered  to  build  breastworks.  Not  much  firing  to-day;  could  see  a 
Rebel  battery  and  plenty  of  Rebs.  Had  heavy  thunder-gust  in  afternoon. 
We  were  ordered  to  hold  ourselves  in  readiness  to  move  at  a  moment's 
warning;  fell  in  line  about  10  in  the  evening.  Rations  rather  slim. 

6th.  Rained  during  the  night  and  was  quite  cool.  We  stood  in  line 
and  around  fires  from  10  last  night  till  4  this  morning,  when  we  started, 
and  marched  over  the  river  at  United  States  Ford;  was  broad  daylight 
when  we  got  over.  The  army  was  crossing  all  night.  We  marched  by 

143 


Hart  wood  Church  and  on  to  where  we  stopped  on  the  night  of  April  27th. 
Marched  about  18  miles;  part  of  the  time  it  rained  and  was  unpleasant. 

7th.  Started  about  7  this  morning,  marched  to  Stafford  Court  House, 
stopped  and  got  crackers.  Generals  Slocum  and  Geary  were  there.  Geary 
made  a  short  speech.  We  then  went  on  to  our  old  camp  near  Acquia 
Landing,  reaching  there  at  4  P.  M.  Very  glad  to  get  back,  and  quite  tired. 
I  had  a  cracker  and  a  half-tin  of  coffee,  without  sugar,  for  my  breakfast. 

8th.     All  appeared  to  be  tired  enough  to  lie  quiet  to-day. 

9th.  We  received  orders  to-day  that  we  were  discharged,  our  term  of 
service  having  ended,  and  were  to  start  for  Harrisburg  on  Monday.  I 
lost  7  pounds  on  the  last  march. 


BY  EDITOR  —  The  records  from  this  date  until  arrival 
of  regiment  in  Harrisburg,  are  similar  to  those  of  Broomhall 
and  Stager.] 


SAMUEL    W.    CRAWFORD, 
BRIGADIER-GENERAL. 


144 


OF  THI 
;  UNI  VERSITY 

OF 


10 


REVEREND  JOSEPH   S.  EVANS. 

Son  of  Thomas  and  Phebe  (Spragg)  Evans,  was  born  in 
Mount  Holly,  New  Jersey,  September  15,  1831.  When  two  years 
of  age,  his  parents  moved  to  Chester  County,  Pa.,  where  his  youth 
and  early  manhood  were  spent  in  farming  and  teaching  in  the 
township  school. 

In  1855,  he  matriculated  at  what  is  now  Bucknell  University, 
Lewisburg,  Pa.,  but,  owing  to  ill  health,  was  unable  to  finish  the 
course.  Feeling  that  he  was,  in  an  especial  manner,  called  to  the 
Lord's  work,  he  took  charge  of  the  services  of  Goshen  Baptist 
Church,  in  November,  1860,  as  a  licensed  preacher,  and  in 
November,  1861,  was  regularly  ordained  into  the  ministry  of  the 
Baptist  denomination,  preaching  his  first  sermon  as  pastor  of  the 
Goshen  church  on  the  third  Sunday  of  the  same  month. 

When  he  felt  it  his  duty  to  answer  his  country's  call,  he  offered 
his  resignation  to  the  church,  but  it  was  not  accepted,  and  he  was 
asked  to  go  into  the  army  as  its  pastor. 

On  September  13,  1862,  he  was  mustered  into  the  I24th  as 
chaplain,  and  in  four  days  thereafter  ministered  to  his  wounded 
and  dying  comrades  at  the  Battle  of  Antietam.  On  account  of 
ill  health,  he  was  honorably  discharged  January  9,  1863.  Return 
ing  home,  he  resumed  the  pastorate  of  his  church,  and  at  this 
writing,  January,  1905,  he  occupies  the  pulpit  when  his  health 
will  permit,  thereby  making  a  continuous  service  of  forty-three 
years. 

He  has  been  chaplain  of  the  I24th  Regimental  Association 
since  its  organization,  and  has  always  taken  an  active  part  in  its 
work. 

A  noble,  Christian  character. 


147 


REMINISCENCES  OF 

CHAPLAIN  JOSEPH  S.  EVANS. 

I  was  appointed  Chaplain  of  the  I24th  Regiment  by  Governor 
Curtin,  September  n,  1862;  this  was  almost  a  month  after  the 
regiment  had  left  \Yest  Chester  for  Harrisburg.  to  be  mustered 
into  service.  Immediately  after  my  appointment.  I  left  \Yest 
Chester  and  proceeded  to  \Yashington,  D.  C.,  expecting  to  find 
the  regiment  there.  Arriving  in  that  city  in  the  afternoon,  I  found, 
to  my  dismay,  that,  owing  to  General  Lee's  invasion  of  Maryland, 
the  I2_}.th  had  started  on  its  march  toward  Frederick  City,  Mel.  It 
was  necessary  for  me  to  remain  in  \Yashingon  until  the  next 
morning  and  I  stopped  at  \Yillard's  Hotel.  Here  I  had  the 
pleasure  and  privilege  to  see,  for  the  first  time,  Major-General 
Mansfield,  who  had  recently  been  appointed  Commander  of  the 
corps  of  which  our  regiment  formed  a  part.  He  was  a  fine  speci 
men  of  the  true  soldier ;  his  hair  was  snowy  white,  his  bearing 
that  of  the  true  and  noble  man. 

On  Friday  morning,  September  I2th,  Joseph  P.  \Yilson,  a 
relative  of  Major-General  McClellan,  and  I  started  in  a  buggy 
to  overtake  the  regiment,  which  we  did  at  Frederick  City  next 
morning. 

On  Sunday  morning  the  whole  division  started  on  a  march 
toward  South  Mountain,  where  it  was  expected  that  a  battle 
would  soon  take  place  between  the  two  armies.  After  marching 
until  noon  and  gaining  the  apex  of  the  range  of  hills  beyond 
Frederick  City,  we  beheld  a  most  wonderful  panorama  on  the 
opposite  side  of  the  beautiful  valley  lying  between  the  two  ranges 
of  mountains.  \Ye  could  see  thousands  of  men  marching  across 
the  valley,  which  lay.  as  it  were,  at  our  feet,  while  the  battle  was 
raging  on  the  mountain  -beyond.  This  continued  until  darkness 
compelled  the  two  armies  to  desist ;  this  they  did  not  do  until  it 
was  so  dark  that  all  we  could  see,  as  we  neared  the  foot  of  the 
mountain,  was  the  continued  flashing  fire  from  General  Burn- 
side's  batteries,  located  on  the  right,  well  up  the  mountain  side. 
Soon  these  became  quiet,  but  as  we  lay  along  the  turnpike  we 
could  hear  the  rattling  of  the  ambulances  and  the  groans  of  the 
wounded  who  were  being  taken  off  the  field  to  the  improvised 
hospitals  below.  This  continued  until  early  dawn,  when  the  whole 
Union  Army  was  astir  expecting  to  renew  the  battle  at  daylight, 

148 


Chaplain  Joseph  S.   1  trans. 

when,  to  our  surprise,  it  was  found  that  General  Lee  had  with 
drawn  his  whole  army,  and  was  moving  toward  Antietam,  along 
the  Boonesboro  road.  On  the  afternoon  of  the  i6th,  the  Rebel 
army,  having  taken  a  stand  on  the  hills  and  ridges  surrounding 
Sharpsburg,  skirmishing  between  the  two  armies  commenced ; 
and  not  until  darkness  again  reigned  over  us,  did  it  cease. 

During  the  night  General  McClellan  was  arranging  for  the 
deadly  conflict  which  all  knew  must  come  in  the  morning.  At 
midnight  the  order  came  for  that  portion  of  the  army  to  which 
the  1 24th  had  been  assigned,  to  march  in  silence  about  two  miles, 
until  it  had  reached  the  right  wing  of  the  line.  Here,  about  three 
o'clock  in  the  morning,  we  halted  and  the  men  lay  down  on  the  wet 
ground  (for  it  had  rained  in  the  early  morning)  to  get  a  little 
rest. 

At  break  of  day  of  the  I7th,  and  before  the  men  could  prepare 
anything  to  eat,  the  tremendous  attack  of  the  Rebels,  who  were 
strongly  intrenched,  commenced,  The  men  of  the  regiment  were 
marched  into  line  at  the  edge  of  the  famous  cornfield,  where  they 
met  the  deadly  fire  of  the  enemy.  They  held  their  ground  and 
valiantly  repulsed  the  fierce  onslaughts.  During  the  whole  day, 
from  daybreak  until  dark,  they  were  never,  except  temporarily, 
driven  back  of  the  line  that  they  had  assumed  at  daylight,  although 
they  had  driven  the  Rebels  back  for  quite  a  distance. 

Quite  early  in  the  fight  our  noble  Commander,  General  ^Fans- 
field,  was  killed,  while  riding  his  horse  in  front  of  his  troops. 
Our  Colonel,  Joseph  W.  Hawley,  \vas  grievously  wounded  early 
in  the  conflict  and  was  carried  from  the  field.  Brigadier-General 
Crawford,  who  succeeded  General  Mansfield,  was  also  wounded 
and  compelled  to  leave  the  field.  The  battle  raged  until  darkness 
compelled  a  cessation. 

This,  in  brief,  was  the  experience  of  the  Chaplain  within  six 
days  after  he  had  left  his  quiet  and  peaceful  home  and  family, 
in  \Yest  Chester,  to  perform  his  duties  amid  shot  and  shell  and 
bloody  carnage  during  that  fearful  day,  when  one  of  the  greatest 
and  most  decisive  battles  of  the  war  was  fought. 


149 


GLEN  SIDE,  PA.,  November  26,  1906. 


MR.  ROBERT  M.  GREEN. 


MY  DEAR  COMRADE:  In  compliance  with  your  request  for  information 
pertaining  to  the  I24th  Regiment,  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  I  take  pleasure 
in  sending  herewith  extracts  from  my  daily  records  of  events  as  they 
transpired  during  the  entire  nine  months'  service  of  the  regiment.  As  you 
are  aware,  I  was  sergeant  of  Company  G.  I  enclose,  with  my  diary 
extracts,  my  recollections  as  to  how  that  company  was  recruited.  You 
are  at  liberty  to  use  the  enclosed  records  or  any  portion  of  them  that  in 
your  judgment  will  be  appreciated  by  the  survivors  or  their  descendants. 


I  remain, 


Yours  fraternally, 

HENRY  J.  STAGER. 


150 


RECRUITING  OF  COMPANY  G,  OF  THE  ONE  HUNDRED 
AND  TWENTY-FOURTH. 

FROM     MKMORANDA   OF    HENRY    J.    STAGER. 

In  the  summer  of  1862,  while  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  was 
fighting'  on  the  Virginia  peninsula,  and  the  Union  troops  had  met 
defeat  after  defeat  in  their  attempt  to  reach  the  Rebel  capital, 
the  news  of  the  big  battle  struck  the  patriot  hearts  of  the  North 
ern  people  with  sympathy  and  anxiety,  and  when  steps  were  being 
taken  to  respond  to  President  Lincoln's  new  call  for  troops,  some 
of  the  boys  in  the  Village  Record  office,  at  West  Chester,  Pa., 
started  to  organize  a  company,  and  styled  it  the  Junior  Sons  of 
America ;  these  were  re-inforced  by  some  of  the  boy  members  of 
the  Fame  fire  company,  of  the  same  town.  Quite  a  following  was 
secured,  and  they  were  about  to  tender  their  services  to  Governor 
Curtin  when  Parson  Brownlow,  of  Southern  loyal  fame,  came 
to  West  Chester  and  addressed  a  mass  meeting  in  the  Court 
House,  upon  the  issues  of  war.  The  Boy  Company  attended 
the  meeting,  and  at  its  close,  when  a  call  was  made  for  volunteers, 
they  responded  to  the  appeal,  and  amid  much  enthusiasm  and 
applause,  signed  the  roll,  and  in  a  fe\v  days  thereafter  the  company 
was  complete,  and  it  became  Company  G,  of  the  I24th,  and 
Edward  F.  James  its  Captain. 

EXTRACTS  FROM  DIARY  OF  HENRY  J.   STAGER. 

SERGEANT   COMPANY    G,    I2.J.TH    PENNSYLVANIA    VOLUNTEER    INFANTRY. 

Enlisted  in  Captain  James'  Company  at  West  Chester,  Pa.,  July  31,  1862, 
furloughed  until  August  6th. 

August. 

9th.  Saturday.  Six  full  companies  left  West  Chester  for  Harrisbnrg 
at  2  P.  M.  Arrived  there  at  9  P.  M.,  and  quartered  in  State  Capitol. 

loth.  Breakfasted  at  depot  refreshment  saloon,  then  marched  to  Camp 
Curtiri,  and  began  camp  life ;  salt  pork  and  hardtack  first  rations. 

iith.     Waiting  general  muster.     Night  cool,  no  blankets. 

I2th.  Examined  by  surgeons  in  afternoon  and  sworn  into  United  States' 
service  for  nine  months,  or  sooner  if  discharged.  I  was  appointed  third 
sergeant  of  Company  G. 

I3th.     Drew  our  military  dress,  canteens,  haversacks,  etc. 

I4th.  Armed  with  Springfield  rifles  and  full  accoutrements.  At  4.30 
formed  into  regiment — the  I24th  Pennsylvania  Volunteers.  Boarded 
freight  and  cattle  cars  at  10  P.  M.  for  Washington,  D.  C. 


I5th.  Passed  York  at  daybreak;  arrived  at  suburbs  of  Baltimore  at 
7  A.  M. ;  on  dismounting  from  train,  40  rounds  of  ammunition  were  dis 
tributed  to  each  man.  Marched  through  the  City  of  Baltimore  to 
Washington  depot,  arriving  there  at  noon.  Train  was  taken,  and  arrived 
at  National  Capitol  at  6  P.  M.  Supper  consisted  of  bread  and  black 
coffee.  Stayed  in  barracks  near  the  Capitol  over  night. 

i6th.  Marched  from  Washington  about  10  A.  M.,  over  Long  Bridge 
into  Virginia;  camped  on  the  heights  near  Fort  Scott. 

1 7th.     Camp  called  Camp  Stanton.     We  have  wedge  tents. 

[NoTE — Before  proceeding  with  the  diary,  the  historian  takes 
the  liberty  of  introducing  a  letter  written  on  August  24th,  1862, 
by  Jos.  Ad.  Thompson,  to  the  Delaware  County  American,  and 
published  in  that  paper  on  August  27,  1862.  Before  this  letter 
was  written  Air.  Thompson  had  visited  Camp  Stanton  to  which 
the  diarist  has  just  referred.  The  letter  is  as  follows:] 

WASHINGTON,  D.  C.,  August  24,  1862. 
D.  A.  VERNON  : 

After  finishing  my  last  letter  to  you,  I  sauntered  down  to  Pennsylvania 
Avenue,  for  the  double  purpose  of  seeing  the  bulletin  and  getting  my 
dinner.  Having  seen  the  former,  I  was  just  starting  for  the  latter,  when 
a  halloa  from  behind  brought  me  to  a  halt,  and  I  found  myself  taken  by 
Major  Haldeman,  Captain  Crosby,  and  Lieutenant  Roberts,  all  of  the 
I24th,  so  we  dined  together  at  the  St.  Nicholas;  after  the  major  (who 
was  then  acting  quartermaster)  had  finished  his  requisitions  for  next  day's 
supplies,  we  took  a  carriage  and  started  over  to  camp,  where  we  arrived 
about  6  o'clock,  just  in  time  for  supper.  Upon  alighting  from  the  carriage 
I  descried  in  the  distance  the  majestic  outlines  of  a  personage  who,  in 
point  of  specific  gravity,  bears  quite  a  resemblance  to  your  correspondent, 
and  who  should  it  be  but  our  fellow-townsman,  J.  G.  Haddock,  while 
beside  him  stood  our  postmaster,  Innes,  and  Thomas  Haldeman,  who  had 
arrived  a  few  hours  before.  It  seemed  to  me,  as  I  stood  there  on  the 
sacred  soil,  with  so  many  of  our  citizens  about  me,  that  the  place  should 
have  been  named  "Camp  Media."  The  boys  had  erected  their  tents,  and 
already  had  grown  from  amidst  the  bushes  a  canvas  city  containing  about 
five  regiments.  The  name  given  to  the  camp  was  Camp  McCall,  which 
has  just  been  changed  to  Camp  Stanton. 

It  was  a  comical  sight  to  see  the  boys  with  their  blue  blouses  (and  the 
Government  should  find  better  ones)  so  completely  covered  with  dust 
that  in  many  cases  it  was  difficult  to  determine  the  color,  as  they  fell  into 
line  to  the  stentorian  tones  of  the  orderly  (who  is  now  a  lieutenant),  and 
then  broke  away  at  the  close  of  roll  call.  I  have  seen  many  of  them 
issuing  from  their  homes  in  your  borough  on  a  Sunday,  at  the  call  of  the 
church-going  bell,  with  beaver  on  one  extremity,  patent  leathers  on  the 
other,  and  the  intermediate  part  encompassed  with  fine  broadcloth,  and 

152 


as  I  beheld  them  coming  from  their  tents  on  this  Sunday  morning  the 
contrast  was  so  great  as  to  be  almost  ludicrous,  and  I  laughed  most 
heartily.  And  then  again,  when  I  saw  them  going  up  by  twos  with  their 
tin  cups  to  get  their  supply  of  coffee,  I  could  not  help  thinking  of  times 
when  it  was  lobster  salad,  "chafes,"  or  a  dozen  on  the  half-shell.  I  do  not 
believe,  however,  that  they  ever  enjoyed  a  meal  at  home  more  than  they 
did  this  homely  one.  I  noticed  Richard  Cummins  sauntering  around  with 
a  huge  loaf  of  Government  bread,  which  rapidly  grew  smaller  as  it 
received  the  imprint  of  his  dentals,  and  which  he  handed  to  your  corre 
spondent  with  the  invitation  to  partake  thereof  in  a  manner  really 
irresistible,  and  so  I  aided  him  in  the  reduction  thereof. 

Many  of  the  boys  already  had  incidents  to  relate,  and  although  but  a 
day  in  "Dixie,"  they  had  made  certain  inhabitants  thereof  aware  of  their 
presence.  Some  of  them  related  to  me  a  reconnoissance  that  they  had 
made  upon  a  farm-house  near  by.  It  seems  that  the  proprietor  was  not 
considered  sound  upon  the  leading  questions  of  the  day,  whereupon  they 
commenced  an  attack  upon  his  outposts,  consisting  of  a  cornfield,  a 
chicken-house,  and  a  spring-house.  Without  going  into  particulars,  as 
they  were  related  to  me,  I  will  merely  say  that  there  were  milk,  butter, 
poultry,  and  corn  in  camp  that  night.  The  latter  article  seemed  to  pre 
ponderate,  and,  as  I  knew  from  observation,  it  made  an  excellent  pillow. 
It  might  be  well  to  state  in  this  connection  that  as  soon  as  said  articles 
were  carefully  stored  in  camp,  a  guard  was  put  over  the  depleted  farm 
house. 

About  dark  Major  H.  came  along  and  announced  that  supper  was  ready, 
whereupon  we  repaired  to  his  quarters,  and  found  the  table  groaning 
with  good  things.  Bolt,  the  cook,  had  evidently  done  his  best  to  please 
the  distitiguislicd  guests,  and  I  can,  while  speaking  for  myself,  also  vouch 
for  Messrs.  H.,  H.  and  J.  that  their  appetites  were  only  exceeded  by  the 
welcome  that  appeased  them.  The  good  housewives  of  Media  would  have 
smiled  had  they  seen  us  around  that  table,  and  some  wives  would  have 
found  a  text  for  a  future  sermon  for  their  husbands  when  they  would  (as 
they  sometimes  do)  grumble  at  the  table. 

Since  my  last  the  field  officers  have  been  selected,  of  which  you  have 
been  advised.  Gideon's  Band  gives  a  major,  and  a  good  one,  too.  while 
our  friend  Joe  takes  off  the  guidon  and  puts  on  the  straps  of  a  lieutenant. 
He  will  be  the  adjutant,  I  think.  I  notice  less  complaining  and  fault 
finding  in  this  regiment  than  any  of  the  new  ones  I  have  seen,  and  the 
men  composing  it  seem  to  be  inspired  with  but  one  idea — to  put  down 
rebellion.  They  have,  it  is  true,  all  the  privations  and  labors  of  camp, 
and  I  was  really  astonished  at  the  willingness  with  which  they  endure  and 
perform  them. 

I  suppose  some  member  will  give  you  the  particulars,  so  I  need  not 
attempt  that  in  my  letter,  but  shall  endeavor  to  say  in  mine  what  most 
likely  would  remain  unsaid  in  others.  The  health  of  the  men  is  excellent, 
and  as  long  as  they  remain  in  their  present  locality  it  will  be  good,  for 
the  ground  is  high  and  dry  and  the  water  excellent,  and  they  appear,  owing 
to  their  indefatigable  quartermaster,  to  have  everything  necessary  for 

153 


their  ccmfort  that  the  army  regulations  permit.  Besides  that,  their 
proximity  to  the  city  enables  them  to  procure  such  luxuries  as  they  may 
desire,  at  reasonable  rates. 

Captain  Litzenberg  is  acting  as  adjutant,  and  it  is  to  his  superior  military 
abilities  that  the  regiment  is  so  rapidly  assuming  a  degree  of  order  and 
discipline,  which  would  lead  an  observer  to  suppose  that  they  had  been 
under  arms  for  some  time. 

I  saw  Lieutenant  Buckley  in  town  the  other  night,  and  the  Southern 
sun  is  taking  quite  an  effect  upon  him,  several  blisters  appearing  upon  his 
proboscis.  No  one  whom  I  see  takes  things  with  more  sang  froid  than 
Master  Voclges.  I  remember  him  when  he  was  upon  all  fours,  and  1  little 
expected  then  to  meet  him  on  the  Nation's  battlefield.  He  evidently  enjoys 
camp  life,  and  I  hope  he  may  endure  all  its  privations  with  the  same 
cheerful  mien,  and  come  back  to  home  and  friends  unscathed.  Captain 
Barton  looks  well ;  he  has  quite  a  military  mien,  and  will  make  an  excel 
lent  officer. 

How  many  single  men  are  there  left  in  Media  now?  Will  you  give  me 
a  list,  for  I  have  been  thinking  over  the  town,  and  for  the  life  of  me  I  can 
find  but  a  pair? 

Excuse  this  desultory  letter,  for  I  am  sitting  on  a  barrel  of  salt  pork 
and  writing  it  on  the  crown  of  my  hat,  and  as  the  mail  is  about  closing, 
I  am  consulting  speed  more  than  elegance  of  style. 

Troops  are  pouring  in  here  by  thousands,  and  the  Avenue  every  day  is 
full  of  bayonets.  Our  State  is  doing  nobly.  I  offered  to  bet  with  the 
proprietor  of  one  of  our  hotels  that  every  regiment  that  marched  up  the 
Avenue  during  the  next  week  would  be  a  Pennsylvania  one,  I  to  win 
whenever  one  came,  and  to  lose  when  it  was  from  another  State,  but  he 
did  not  take  the  bet.  The  universal  exclamation  here  is,  "Noble 
Pennsylvania  !" 

I  shall  go  over  the  river  this  evening,  and  will  try  and  give  you  a  more 
interesting  letter  next  week. 

Truly  yours, 

STEELE  PENNE. 

DIARY    RESUMED. 
August. 

i8th.     First  duty,  detailed  as  sergeant  of  guard. 

[XoTE: — The  historian  deems  it  proper  to  state,  that  on  this 
date  the  regiment  was  organized  and  Captain  Jos.  W.  Hawley 
was  elected  Colonel,  and  after  some  contention  among  the  officers, 
Captain  Simon  Litzenberg  was  elected  Lieutenant-Colonel.  The 
following  item,  copied  from  the  Delaware  County  American,  of 
August  20,  1862,  refers  to  the  selection  of  Captain  Litzenberg.] 

THE  I24TH  REGIMENT. — The  company  officers  of  this  regiment,  we  learn, 
through  one  of  our  correspondents,  have  held  a  meeting,  at  which  they 

154 


unanimously  recommended  for  lieutenant-colonel  Captain  Simon  Litzen- 
berg,  said  recommendation,  of  course,  being  subject  to  the  consideration 
of  the  Governor.  We  presume  Captain  Litzenberg  has  seen  more  of 
military  service  and  has  a  far  greater  knowledge  of  the  requirements  of 
the  office  than  any  other  person  in  the  regiment  or  who  might  likely  be 
selected,  and  if  this  be  generally  known,  his  claims  must,  of  course,  receive 
due  consideration.  Whoever  the  officer  may  be,  he  should  come  from  this 
county,  as  the  number  of  men  in  the  regiment  from  here  entitles  us  to  at 
least  one-fourth  of  the  officers. 


DIARY    RESUMED. 

igth.     First   regimental   drill.     Regimental  officers  first   announced. 

2Oth.     Drill.     Marching  orders  received. 

2ist.     Struck  tents,  and  marched  to  London  and  Alexandria  Railroad. 

22d.     Company  drill. 

23d.     Regimental  drill.     First  dress  parade,  at  6  P.   M. 

24th.     Moved  farther  on.  to  Forts  Ward  and  Blenker. 

25th.  Regimental  drill.  At  dress  parade  heard  first  orders  read  to 
regiment. 

2Oth.     Squad,  ccmpany  and  regiment  drills. 

27th.  Drills.  Received  dress  coats,  woolen  and  gum  blankets.  The 
Commissioners  of  Chester  County  visited  camp  and  paid  $50  bounty  to 
each  man  from  that  county  who  had  not  received  it  before  leaving  home. 

28th.  On  police  duty.  Cleaned  out  underwood  for  a  site  for  new  fort, 
near  Fort  Blenker.  Drew  20  rounds  cartridges.  False  alarm  in  camp. 

29th.  General  alarm,  long  roll.  Regiment  formed  -in  line  of  battle. 
First  regimental  picket  duty,  on  Leesburg  and  Alexandria  Pike. 

30th.     Heavy  cannonading  in  distance.     Second  Battle  of  Bull  Run. 

3 1 st.     Rain.     Waiting  word  as  to  }-esterday's  battle. 

September. 

i st.     Three  drills  to-day. 

2d.  Exciting  day  on  picket.  Troops,  wagon  trains,  etc.,  on  way  to 
Washington. 

3d.  Released  off  picket.  Regimental  drill.  Rumor  of  fight  at  Harper's 
Ferry. 

4th.     Three  drills.     Word  as  to  fight  at  \Villiamsport. 

5th.  Company  G  detailed  to  aid  in  digging  rifle  pits  in  front  of  Fort 
Wrard. 

6th.  Struck  tents,  and  left  camp  at  6  P.  M.  for  Rockville,  Md.  Halted 
at  12.30  A.  M.,  and  camped  in  cornfield.  Last  of  the  wedge  tents  at  Fort 
Blenker.  In  starting  on  this  march  the  regiment  numbered  about  925. 

/th.  Resumed  march  at  6.30  A.  M.  Two  hours'  stop  at  noon.  Arrived 
at  Rockville  in  evening. 

8th.     In  afternoon  resumed  march  and  bivouacked  on  high  hill  at  night. 

9th.  i24th  added  to  Crawford's  Brigade,  also  two  other  new  regiments. 
Marched  12  miles,  and  at  night  joined  Banks'  old  corps.  In  early  evening 

155 


the  campfires  of  about  40,000  marching  troops  were  in  view  where  we 
bivouacked. 

loth.  Marching  all  day.  Arrived  near  Damascus.  Out  of  rations. 
Forced  march.  We  feed  on  green  corn  and  apples,  here  abundant. 

nth.     Marching.     Drew  new  rations.     Received  mail. 

I2th.     Marching,  passed  New  Market  zig-zag  route. 

I3th.     Marching,  camped  at  night  near  Frederick  City. 

I4th.  Early  start,  passed  through  Frederick.  Firing  all  day.  We 
arrived  on  South  Mountain  battlefield  at  night.  Rebels  routed.  Union 
victory. 

i5th.  Marched  from  near  Middletown  to  Boonsboro  and  beyond  two 
miles.  Rebel  prisoners  plentiful  along  road. 

i6th.  Advanced  toward  Antietam  Creek.  Army  en  masse.  Artillery 
shelling  in  front.  Advance  again  after  nightfall.  Lay  on  arms  all  night  in 
a  plowed  field. 

i/th.  Battle  of  Antietam.  Our  brigade  ordered  to  advance  at  break  of 
day.  Regiment  became  separated,  in  the  fog,  part  of  it  advanced  through 
cornfield  to  a  point  nearly  in  front  of  Dunker  Church,  and  while  lying  here 
in  support  of  a  battery  the  shells  from  a  rebel  battery  were  passing  over 
our  heads  at  a  lively  rate,  but  the  screaming  of  them  indicated  that  they 
were  at  a  safe  height ;  a  few,  however,  dropped  close  to  our  ranks,  but 
fortunately  did  not  explode.  While  we  remained  there  the  experience  was 
not  pleasing,  as  we  momentarily  expected  a  rebel  battery  to  open  directly 
in  front  of  us.  Our  regiment  at  the  commencement  of  the  battle  occupied 
the  extreme  right  of  the  Union  line,  and  during  the  entire  forenoon  the 
battle  seemed  to  be  concentrated  in  close  proximity  to  us.  In  the  afternoon 
it  was  transferred  to  the  left  of  the  Union  line.  Colonel  Hawley  was 
wounded  shortly  after  we  entered  the  cornfield,  and  was  immediately 
carried  to  the  rear.  Lieutenant-Colonel  Litzenberg  assumed  command,  but 
the  regiment  did  not  become  concentrated  until  late  in  the  afternoon. 

iSth.     On  the  battlefield.     Awful  sights  and  horrible  stench. 

ipth.  In  the  afternoon  marched  through  Sharpsburg  to  Rohrersville  to 
Brownsville  and  camped  for  night. 

[XoTE: — The  following  extracts  from  a  letter  written  by 
Lieutenant  Joseph  G.  Cummins,  of  Company  D,  to  the  Delaware 
County  American,  and  published  in  that  paper  September  24, 
1862,  will  no  doubt  prove  of  interest  to  many.] 

Near  SHARPSBURG,  MARYLAND, 

FRIDAY,  SEPT.  19,  1862. 

Three  days  ago  we  encamped  three  miles  from  Boonsboro,  Maryland. 
Next  morning  we  were  ordered  to  fall  in  for  a  march,  which  we  did. 
The  farther  we  marched  the  nearer  the  cannonading  was  heard.  We 
marched  right  up  to  the  front,  and  lay  on  our  arms.  The  same  evening  we 
were  ordered  off  again.  It  was  very  dark.  Slow  and  quiet  was  our  foot- 

156 


steps,  not  knowing  what  minute  we  would  fall  into  some  trap.  We 
marched  on,  and  some  time  in  the  night  we  encamped  where  a  battle 
was  fought  the  day  before.  Early  next  morning  cannonading  commenced ; 
we  were  up  in  line,  and  marched  immediately  in  the  direction  of  where  the 
rebel  shot  and  shell  were  flying.  We  were  under  their  fire  for  two  hours. 
Our  regiment  was  formed  by  companies.  Such  cannonading  and  infantry 
firing  from  our  side  never  was  heard  before.  We  soon  formed  in  line  of 
battle,  and  on  we  marched  to  the  front,  bullets  by  hundreds  whizzing  past 
our  heads.  We  marched,  not  knowing  really  where  we  were  going.  Our 
first  position  wras  lying  down  near  a  fence,  and  we  were  immediately  under 
cross  fire.  From  the  position  we  were  in  it  was  strange  that  every  man  was 
not  killed.  After  we  discovered  our  position  was  wrong  we  fell  back  in 
good  order  (under  the  circumstances).  Our  wounded  consisted  of  the 
following  so  far  as  could  then  be  ascertained  : 

Corporal  George  D.  Miller,  Upper  Providence,  wounded  in  the  side,  but 
will  recover. 

Corporal   James  Crozier,  Rockdale,   seriously  wounded. 

Corporal  David  T.  Wilkinson,  wounded  in  leg. 

Private  William  Bittle,  Edgmont,  wounded  in  leg. 

Sergeant  William  G.  Knowles,  wounded  in  shoulder. 

Private  Thomas  Hance,  Aston,  wounded  in  forehead. 

Sergeant  William  W.  Potts,  wounded  in  foot. 

Private  William  Davidson,  Rockdale,  wounded  in  leg. 

Private  C.  Wall,  Media,  wounded  in  hands. 

Private  John  Pugh,  Radnor,  wounded  in  ear. 

Private  M.  Ford,  Rockdale,  wounded  in  the  side. 

Our  Colonel  was  wounded  in  the  neck,  but  it  is  reported  not  seriously. 

I  understand  the  regiment  stands  this  morning:  5  killed,  42  wounded 
and  120  missing.  Our  missing  are  coming  in  slowly.  After  we  left  our 
first  position  we  were  then  ordered  to  the  left.  We  then  for  two  hours  and 
a  half  protected  a  battery  lying  immediately  to  the  rear.  We  were  then 
ordered  to  fall  back,  which  we  did  in  good  order.  It  seemed  that  the 
enemy's  stronghold  was  immediately  on  our  front.  I  looked  over  the 
field  and  saw  hundreds  of  the  rebels  "skedaddle."  All  our  officers  and  men 
stood  up  to  their  work  nobly.  There  was  no  firing  yesterday  from  our 
cannons,  and  none  to-day  up  to  the  present  time.  J.  G.  C. 


DIARY  RESUMED. 

September. 

2Oth.  Marched  to  Maryland  Heights,  and  in  the  afternoon  to  Pleasant 
Valley  and  camped. 

21  st.  Sunday — In  camp.  Divine  service  at  2  P.  M.  Evening  on  patrol 
at  Sandy  Hook,  on  picket. 

22d.     Regiment  empties  its  guns  into  the  Potomac. 

23d.  Moved  to  Maryland  Heights  and  went  into  camp.  While 
encamped  here  Captain  Norris  L.  Yarnall,  of  Company  D,  obtained  leave 

157 


of  absence,  and  the  Delaware  County  American  of  December  3ist,  1862, 
has  an  account  of  his  visit  home  as  follows  : 

ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FOURTH  REGIMENT — Captain  N.  L.  Yarnall, 
whose  company  is  in  this  regiment,  visited  us  on  Wednesday  last.  He  is 
every  inch  a  soldier,  and  rejoices  in  the  command  of  the  brave  men  from 
this  county  whom  he  has  in  his  charge.  The  regiment,  which  is  attached 
to  Kane's  Brigade,  is  encamped  in  London  Valley,  a  short  distance  below 
Harper's  Ferry,  where  it  is  expected  it  will  remain  for  some  time.  The 
health  of  the  company  is  good,  but  few  being  on  the  sick  list.  The  captain 
gave  us  a  glowing,  but  modest,  account  of  the  bloody  battle  of  Antietam, 
in  which  his  company  was  engaged  throughout  the  day,  and  spoke  in  high 
terms  of  the  fighting  qualities  of  his  soldiers.  It"  all  our  officers  had  the 
same  singleness  of  purpose  as  Captain  Yarnall,  the  rebellion  would  soon  be 
put  down  and  the  war  brought  to  an  end. 

24th.     On  duty  on  the  Heights. 

25th.  Relieved  off  picket  duty.  Simmer's  Corps  on  Bolivar  Heights. 
Balloon  ascensions  to  locate  enemy. 

26th.     First  day's  absence  of  cannonading  since  the  Uth. 

27th.     All  quiet.     Enemy  said  to  be  at  .Charlestown   and   Winchester. 

28th.  Sunday — Divine  service  in  morning.  In  afternoon  moved  to 
Pleasant  Valley. 

29th.     Camped  in  Pleasant  Valley. 

3Oth.     Regular  drills  begin. 

October. 

ist.  Still  in  Pleasant  Valley  Camp.  We  secure  sutler  supplies  at  Sandy 
Hook. 

2d.  Moved  back  to  Maryland  Heights.  No  tents  since  September  6th. 
Rather  tough. 

3d.     Wedge  tents  arrive.     Picket  duty  on  Heights. 

4th.     General  Geary  inspected  our  brigade  this  afternoon. 

5th.  Received  knapsacks  which  contained  our  extra  clothing  left  at 
front  of  Washington  before  the  Maryland  march  began. 

nth.  Excessive  sickness  in  regiment  attributed  to  exposure  and  recent 
hardships. 

I2th.     Sunday — Divine  service  in  afternoon.     Dress  parade. 

I3th.     Drills  in  morning.     Presentation  of  State  colors  in  afternoon. 

T4th.     Mock  election  in  camp.     Republican  majority. 

I5th.     Friends  visit   regiment.     Drills,   dress  parade. 

i6th.     Regimental  conditions  improve.     Usual  drills  and  parade. 

1 7th.     We  drew  excellent  rations,  but  no  soft  bread  since  September  6th. 

i8th.     We  take  up  new  camp,  quarter  of  a  mile  north  of  old  location. 

ipth.     It  grows  cooler  and  we  add  flues  to  our  tent  quarters. 

2oth.     Quite  comfortable  in  quarters  now. 

2i st.  On  duty,  picketing  on  Maryland  Heights,  scene  of  surrender. 
We  are  reserve  at  memorable  breastworks.  All  around  are  bodies  of  sol 
diers  who  were  not  buried. 

22d.     Relieved  of  picket  duty.     Usual  drills  in  camp. 


BRIGADIER-GENERAL    THOS.    L.     KANE. 


23cl.     Picketing  along  the  canal. 

24th.     Drills  in  camp. 

25th.  Sixty  rounds  of  cartridges  issued  to  each  soldier.  We  are  under 
marching  orders. 

26th.     Still  in  camp,  with  three  clays'  rations  in  haversacks. 

2/th.  Boxes  arrive  in  regiment  from  home  friends,  occasion  much 
rejoicing. 

28th.  Transferred  from  First  to  Second  Brigade,  Twelfth  Army  Corps. 
Moved  back  to  Pleasant  Valley. 

29th.  Brigadier-General  Thomas  Leiper  Kane  takes  command ;  Brigade 
includes  I2_|.th,  I25th  Pennsylvania,  I23d  New  York  and  2Oth  Con 
necticut. 

[NOTE: — Diarist's  recollection  of  General  Thomas  Leiper  Kane, 
Brigade  Commander.  He  was  a  brave  and  dashing  officer; 
greatly  admired  and  held  in  high  esteem  by  his  soldiers ;  yet,  at 
same  time,  he  was  looked  upon  as  a  martinet,  and  his  vigilance 
was  such  that  few  would  care  to  risk.  Thorough  obedience  to 
duty  and  a  strict  compliance  with  orders  were  requirements  that 
he,  at  all  times,  and  under  all  conditions,  insisted  upon  being 
fulfilled.  1 

3Oth.  Marched  through  Sandy  Hook  to  Harper's  Ferry  to  London 
Valley.  The  whole  corps  appears  to  be  on  the  move. 

[NoTE: — In  searching  for  records,  pertaining  to  the  regiment, 
the  historian  found  many  that  were  not  only  exceedingly  sad, 
but  that  showed  the  kindly  relations  of  true  comradeship.  The 
two  following  letters  were  from  members  of  the  regiment  and 
published  in  the  Delaware  County  American,,  November  5,  1862.] 

WIUJSTOWN,  October  30,  1862. 

DIED — At  the  Government  Hospital,  near  Harper's  Ferry,  on  Monday, 
the  27th  of  October,  of  typhoid  fever,  James  B.  Aitkin,  of  the  I24th,  in 
the  twentieth  year  of  his  age — only  son  of  Dr.  Aitkin. 

After  the  battle  of  Antietam,  in  which  he  participated,  you  met  his 
father  daily  at  the  post-office,  with  the  most  intense  anxiety  and  tenderest 
solicitude  for  the  welfare  of  his  son  depicted  upon  his  countenance, 
inquiring  for  a  letter.  He  was  the  only  son,  and  none  but  the  most 
devoted  hearts  could  offer  up  such  a  precious  sacrifice  upon  the  altar  of 
our  country.  It  was  done  at  his  request,  for  none  breathed  a  purer  or 
more  devoted  patriotism. 

At  length  a  letter  came ;  it  was  from  James.  The  gloom  of  uncertainty 
that  had  overshadowed  that  brow  passed  away.  He  knew  the  handwriting 
of  the  address.  With  what  eagerness  the  seal  was  broken  open,  and  with 
what  unspeakable  joy  did  that  father  and  that  mother  read  in  James' 

ii  161 


own  handwriting  that  he  had  passed  through  that  most  fearful  battle 
unscathed  and  unharmed.  In  the  "Band  of  Gideon"  the  Lord  had 
preserved  him. 

But  how  transitory  are  all  human  hopes.  Our  joys,  how  short  their 
duration.  The  next  letter  (not  written  by  James)  summons  the  father 
to  the  bedside  of  this  brave  and  noble  boy  languishing  upon  a  bed  of 
sickness,  from  which  never  to  rise  again.  He  repaired  to  the  place  in  time 
to  soothe  his  last  moments,  and  bring  his  remains  to  the  land  of  his 
acquaintance.  But  his  spirit  is  fled.  His  soul  is  emancipated  from  its  clay 
tenement,  and  now  dwells  with  the  good  and  the  brave. 

It  is  indeed  a  heartrending  dispensation  of  Divine  Providence  that  one 
so  young,  so  intelligent,  so  moral,  so  brave  and  so  universally  respected, 
should  be  taken  away  so  early  in  life.  But  let  him  sleep  on  in  his  dream 
less  bed;  memory  will  retain  his  many  virtues,  and  dark  oblivion  will  not 
laugh  over  his  grave.  J.  T.  T. 

(Media  American./ 

FROM  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FOURTH. 

CAMP  ON  LONDON  HEIGHTS,  October  31,  1862. 

MR.  EDITOR  :  Before  this  shall  reach  you,  you  will  doubtless  have  heard 
of  the  decease,  on  Monday  last,  of  two  members  of  our  company 
("Gideon's  Band"),  James  B.  Aitkin  and  John  Pylc.  To  the  remains  of 
the  latter  his  late  comrades  paid  the  last  sad  rites  of  sepulture,  and  the 
final  tribute  of  respect,  on  Tuesday  morning  last,  when  we  followed  them 
with  measured  and  solemn  tread,  to  the  subdued  and  solemn  roll  of  the 
muffled  drum  beating  the  impressive  "Dead  March"  to  their  present  rest 
ing  place.  Arriving  at  the  grave,  our  captain  alluded  to  the  deceased  in 
suitable  and  affecting  terms,  stating  that  he  had  known  him  from  early 
childhood,  that  he  had  long  been  a  member  of  his  Sunday-school  at  Rock- 
dale,  and  that,  when  arrived  at  mature  years,  he  had  connected  himself 
with  the  church,  and  it  was  his  belief  had  lived  the  life  of  an  earnest  and 
consistent  Christian.  He  commented  upon  the  example  of  the  deceased 
for  imitation  by  those  present,  and  having  read  the  service  for  the  dead, 
the  flag  and  accoutrements  in  which  the  body  was  arrayed  were  removed, 
the  form  of  our  late  companion  was  lowered  into  the  grave,  three  volleys 
by  the  detailed  escort  pealed  out  over  the  spot,  and  sadly,  slowly,  deeply 
impressed  with  what  we  had  witnessed,  we  returned  to  camp. 

The  deceased  had  been  indisposed  for  some  time  previous,  but  still 
nobly  insisted  upon  performing  the  duties  incumbent  upon  him,  refusing 
to  complain  whilst  he  could  endure,  but  his  Father,  who  "doeth  all  things 
well,"  has  called  him  home,  and  it  is  not  for  us  to  murmur  against  the 
doubtless  wise  decree,  or  desire  that  he  should  return  from  that  peaceful 
rest  into  which  he  has  entered,  to  the  care,  the  turmoil  and  the  suffering 
from  which  he  has  escaped. 

Our  loss  was  no  less  in  the  death  of  our  other  comrade,  James  B.  Aitkin, 
for  he  was  tenderly  and  justly  beloved  by  us  all,  who  ever  found  in  him 

162 


a  kind,  unwavering  friend,  and  brave  and  true  soldier  ever  at  his  post,  and 
ready  for  every  duty.  May  he,  too,  have  entered  that  rest  in  those  eternal 
mansions  which  God  has  provided  for  his  creatures. 

Our  regiment  has  been  transferred  to  the  brigade  of  General  Kane, 
late  commander  of  the  "Bucktails.''  He  made  his  appearance  whilst  we 
were  on  battalion  drill,  on  Wednesday  last,  and  after  shaking  hands  with 
all  the  commissioned  officers,  and  reviewing  the  battalion,  he  said  a  few 
words  to  the  regiment,  and  was  loudly  cheered,  the  impression  thus  far 
made  by  him  being  decidedly  favorable.  Yesterday  with  our  new  brigade 
we  marched  from  Pleasant  Valley  across  the  Potomac,  and  are  now 
encamped  at  London  Heights,  a  short  distance  from  Harper's  Ferry. 

Yours,  etc., 

W.  T.  S. 

DIARY  RESUMED. 

31  st.  The  regiment  mustered  for  pay.  Muskets  stacked.  Wagon  trains 
delayed. 

November. 

i  st.     We  go  into  camp  in  London  Valley.     Receive  our  tents. 

2d.  Company  inspection.  Alarm  at  night  on  picket  line;  reinforcements 
sent  out  and  we  arrive  at  midnight.  Ail  quiet  again. 

3d.     Still  on  picket.     No  fires  allowed  at  night.     Heavy  firing  ahead. 

4th.  McClellan  shelling  his  advance ;  said  to  be  explanation  of  firing  to 
day  and  yesterday. 

5th.  At  night  advanced  on  picket  line  one  mile  farther  on.  Guerillas 
reported  in  neighbourhood. 

6th.     Still  on  picket  duty.     Rations  sent  out  to  our  line. 

7th.     First  snow — all  day.     Relieved  off  of  picket. 

8th.     Snow — quite  fair.     Regiment  goes  on  a  scout  up  the  valley. 

gth.     Cold — bad  day.     Sergeant  of  guard. 

loth.     Cold  out,  but  comfortable  in  camp. 

nth.     Fresh  bread  reaches  the  boys  to-day.     Drill. 

I2th.     Rain ;  clears  out  the  snow. 

I3th.     When  weather  permits  we  have  two  hours'  brigade  drill  each  day. 

I4th.     We  stockade  our  tents  and  add  fire  place,  very  comfortable. 

I5th.     Cold    continues. 

i6th.  We  receive  a  box  of  mittens,  a  gift  from  the  ladies  of  West 
Chester.  An  alarm  at  night ;  regiment  called  out  to  support  artillery. 

ijth.  Cold,  rain.  All  last  night  and  to-day  in  line  of  battle.  Rebels 
reported  advancing.  Rations  received  from  camp. 

i8th.  Cold  and  rainy.  Still  in  line  awaiting  enemy.  Rough  duty,  but 
men  stand  it  well. 

I9th.  Relieved  by  two  other  regiments,  we  return  to  camp  and  draw- 
first  whiskey  ration  since  service  began. 

2Oth.  The  Rebel  force  in  valley,  supposed  to  be  Jackson's  column,  has 
retreated. 

163 


2i st.     Cold  continues,  but  excitement  has  abated. 

22d.     More  snow.     Fresh  supply  of  clothing  received. 

23d.  Sunday — Regimental  inspection  in  morning.  Divine  service  and 
dress  parade  in  afternoon. 

24th.     Clear  and  cold.     Company  G  on  picket  in  London  Valley. 

25th.     On  guard  duty.    Rain  at  night. 

20th.     Special  onion  ration  dealt  out  to-day. 

27th.  Thanksgiving  Day.  Regimental  drum  corps  reorganized.  Large 
guns  on  the  Heights  tried.  Many  of  the  men  were  granted  leave  of 
absence  to  make  whatever  arrangements  they  could  with  neighboring 
farmers  for  a  dinner ;  some  of  the  squads  managed  to  get  a  feast  of  boiled 
cabbage,  pork,  bread,  butter,  molasses,  honey,  preserves,  coffee  and  pies. 

28th.     With  guard  and  picket  duty  the  boys  ar£  kept  active. 

2Qth.     Again  snowing. 

30th.     Cold,  but  quiet  day  in  camp. 
December. 

i st.     General  inspection  of  regiment. 

2d — Quarters  inspected.     We  look  for  more  elaborate  winter  quarters. 

3d.  Colonel  Hawley  takes  command  of  regiment ;  first  time  since  he 
was  wounded  at  Antietam.  The  boys  gave  him  a  hearty  \velcome. 

4th.  On  picket  duty  in  Shenandoah  Valley,  four  miles  from  camp.  Gen 
eral  Geary  has  ordered  reconnoissance  to  Winchester. 

5th.     Snow  to  depth  of  three  inches.     Relieved  off  of  picket  duty. 

6th.     Coldest  day  so  far.     Snow  still  deep. 

7th.     Company  inspection.     * 

8th.     False  alarm.     Regiment  called  into  line. 

9th.     Muddy  roads.     Marching  orders  received. 

loth.  Struck  tents;  advance  for  nearly  a  mile  and  then  returned  to  old 
quarters. 

nth.  Renewed  marching  and  made  about  14  miles.  Shelter  tent  sup 
plies'  given  on  leaving  old  quarters.  Three  days'  rations  in  haversacks 
and  three  in  wagons.  Passed  through  Hillsdale  and  Wheatland. 

I2th.  Resumed  march  at  5  A.  M.,  passed  through  Leesburg  about  9 
A.  M.  Made  about  15  miles  and  bivouacked  at  or  near  Goose  Creek. 

1 3th.  Renewed  march  at  7  A.  M.  Dined  at  Club  Run  at  3  P.  M.  Stopped 
at  night  at  Plain  Creek. 

I4th.     Fine  day.  Marched  to  Fairfax  Court  House  and  halted  for  night. 

I5th.     Crossed  Occoquan  River  and  camped  for  night. 

i6th.  Awroke  in  morning  to  find  it  raining  and  ourselves  soaking. 
Marched  four  miles  and  then  came  back  half  a  mile  and  encamped  for 
night. 

I7th.  Marched  back  to  Fairfax  Station — about  14  miles  and  went  into 
camp. 

i8th.  In  camp.  Company  and  regimental  drill  resumed.  Afternoon 
inspection. 

[XoTE  OF  HISTORIAN  : — While  at  Fairfax  station,  Major  Halde- 
man  obtained  leave  of  absence,  and  the  Delaware  County 

164 


American,  of  December  24,   1862,  gave  an  account  of  his  visit 
home  as  follows :] 

THE  I24TI-1  REGIMENT. — Major  Haldeman,  of  this  regiment,  made  a  flying 
visit  to  his  home,  in  Media,  on  Monday,  returning  to-day.  He  looks  well, 
and  represents  the  men  as  now  enjoying  good  health,  the  fever  which 
prevailed  having  disappeared.  The  regiment  is  still  at  Fairfax  Station, 
the  same  position  it  has  occupied  for  several  weeks,  and  where  all  remained 
quiet  at  last  accounts.  We  are  also  pleased  to  be  able  to  mention,  in  this 
connection,  the  return  of  some  of  our  boys  who  have  for  some  time  been 
suffering  from  serious  indisposition.  Among  them  are  our  young  friends 
J.  Frank  Black  and  Joseph  Hall,  both  of  whom  would  now  appear  to  be 
rapidly  recovering,  but  the  latter  will  hardly  be  fit  to  again  enter  the  service 
before  the  expiration  of  his  term  of  enlistment. 
DIARY  RESUMED. 

igth.     Brigade  review  by  General  Kane.     Huts  built  with  shelter  tents 
as  roofs.     Quarters  comfortable. 

20th.     Government  bounty  papers   for  $27  fixed  up.     Fine  bean  supper. 

2ist.     $27  bounty  paid.    Boys  feel  wealthy.     Sutler  reaps  a  harvest. 

22d.     Drilling.     Brigade  movements  and  skirmishing  special. 

23d.     Fine  day.     Drill  and  guard  duty. 

24th.     Visited   Fairfax  Court   House   and  had   a   gala   time.     Plenty   of 
supplies  there. 

25th.     Christmas  Day.     Cold  and  clear.     No  drill.     We  think  of  home 
and  miss  its  festivities. 

26th.     Brigade  review.     Comfortable  in  camp. 

27th.     Company  G  on  picket  duty ;  called  in  at  night.     Orders  to  march. 

28th.     Corps  marched  to  Occoquan  fortifications  and  lay  in  line  of  battle 
all  day  and  night.     A  raid  anticipated. 

29th.     After  a  general  scout,  returned  to  old  camp. 

30th.     No  drill,  weather  too  bad. 

31  st.     Snow  squalls.     Mustered  for  pay  by  Colonel  Hawley.     When  the 
regiment   left   Fort   Blenker   on    September   5th   it   numbered   925 ;    it   now 
numbers  but  651. 
1863. 
January. 

ist.     Burlesque  dress  parade.     Bean  soup  and  boiled  potatoes  for  dinner. 

2d.     Brigade  and  skirmish  drill  by  bugle  calls. 

3d.     Brigade  drill  and  dress  parade. 

4th.     Company    inspection. 

5th.     Many  of  the  boys  suffer  with  colds,  many  receive  furloughs. 

6th.     Cider  and  pie  plenty  at  Fairfax  Court  House. 

7th.     The  weather  is  changeable,  but  nearly  all  the  time  quite  cold. 

8th.     The  regiment  goes  on  scout  to  Wolf  Run  Shoals;  8  miles  out. 

9th.     Regiment  returned  from  scout  at  5  A.  M. 

loth.     Camp  policed. 

nth.     Regimental  inspection. 

I2th.     Regiment  practices  in  skirmish  drill. 

165 


13th.     Grand  review  by  Generals  Slocum,  Williams  and  Kane. 

I4th.     Brigade  drill. 

i5th.     Blustery  and  cold.     No  drill. 

i6th.  ]\lany  left  behind  regiment  at  Harper's  Ferry  hospitals.  Returr, 
to-day. 

I7th.     The  regiment  receives  marching  orders. 

i8th.     Under  marching  orders.     Waiting. 

iQth.  Struck  tents  at  10  A.  M.  Crossed  the  Occoquan  River  and 
camped  for  the  night. 

2Oth.  Ready  for  march  before  sunrise;  passed  through  Dumfries  and 
crossed  Quantico  Creek  and  camped  in  woods  for  night. 

21  st.  Awoke  in  morning  and  found  ourselves  soaking  wet.  Roads 
terrible.  Artillery  and  wagons  hard  to  get  along.  Rain  all  day.  We  made 
but  four  miles.  Stop  at  night  near  the  Chippawamsic  Creek.  Rain  con 
tinues. 

22d.  Company  G  detailed  on  fatigue  duty,  and  with  others  succeed  in 
building  a  bridge  across  Chippawamsic  Creek  by  10  A.  M.  Boys  again 
proceed  slowly.  Rain  continues.  Roads  awful.  All  wet  to  the  skin.  We 
reach  Acquia  Creek.  Another  bridge  must  be  built  to  cross.  We  halt 
for  night.  Rain  continues. 

23d.  By  10  o'clock  the  rain  abated  and  we  were  again  under  way.  We 
arrived  at  Stafford  Court  House  and  encamped  in  the  quarters  of  previous 
troops.  The  lousiest  quarters  we  yet  struck.  Miserable  all  around. 

24th.  Brigade  review  by  Generals  Slocum  and  Kane.  Brigade  compli 
mented  as  the  Star  Brigade  of  the  Twelfth  Corps. 

25th.     Sunday — Changeable  weather.     Divine  service  in  afternoon. 

26th.     The  regiment  receives  its  pay  up  to  November  ist. 

27th.     Rainy  and  cold.    We  enjoy  our  bean  soup. 

28th.  Snowing  all  day  and  night.  On  picket  duty.  An  unpleasant 
experience. 

[XoTE: — The  historian  takes  the  liberty  to  insert  herewith, 
copy  of  letter  written  January  28,  1863,  by  Lieutenant  Ralph 
Buckley,  of  Company  D,  to  the  Delaware  County  American,  and 
published  in  that  paper  (with  comments  of  the  Editor)  February 
5,  1863,  as  follows:] 

ARMY   CORRESPONDENCE. 

STAFFORD  COURT  HOUSE,  January  28,  1863 
RESPECTED  FRIEND: 

I  now  sit  down,  or  rather  lie  down,  to  make  the  attempt  to  acquaint  you 
with  the  incidents  of  our  march  from  Fairfax  Station  to  this  place.  On 
the  1 4th  inst,  I  think,  we  got  orders  to  be  ready  to  march  at  any  moment, 
with  three  days'  food  in  haversacks  and  eight  in  wagons,  and  so  we  were 
held,  momentarily  expecting  the  shrill  bugle  to  sound  "'strike  tents,"  which 
was  done  on  the  evening  of  the  lyth,  the  order  complied  with  and  the 

166 


tents  shipped  off,  the  boys  being  deprived  of  the  shelter  afforded  them  by 
the  tents  resorted  to  tires,  which  they  built  many,  and  large  ones,  too.  For 
some  reason,  which  has  not  yet  been  explained,  our  regiment  was  the  only 
one  in  the  brigade  that  got  the  order  to  strike  tents  at  that  time.  This  fact 
naturally  led  us  to  the  conclusion  that  we  were  going  alone. 

Speculations  were  rife  as  to  our  destination.  All  the  information  said  to 
have  been  obtained  from  reliable  gentlemen,  and  all  knowledge  communi 
cated  in  confidence,  proved  wide  of  the  mark.  However,  on  the  morning  of 
the  iQth,  we  got  in  line.  Of  two  things  our  own  senses  assured  us;  first,  that 
the  whole  of  the  Twelfth  Corps  was  with  us,  with  the  incident  number  of 
cannon,  caissons,  ammunition  wagons,  etc.  Secondly,  that  we  were  expect 
ing  to  have  a  long  and  rapid  march,  from  the  fact  that  some  200  young  and 
fresh  horses  and  an  equal  number  of  new  wagons  had  been  furnished  us 
which  were  loaded  with  nothing  but  what  was  absolutely  necessary  for  the 
success  of  the  expedition.  The  roads  were  frozen  and  very  rough.  The 
men  being  encumbered  with  all  the  trappings  of  soldiers,  their  knapsacks 
on  their  shoulders,  rendered  them  top  heavy  to  a  degree  amounting  to  the 
danger  of  breaking  their  limbs  in  case  of  a  slip  of  their  feet.  Many  were 
the  sprained  ankles  and  bruised  knees.  No  use  to  complain.  Those  who 
were  so  unfortunate  as  to  fall  would  get  a  cursing  from  his  neighbor  for 
his  awkwardness,  and  so  on  we  went,  and  took  dinner  (which  means,  on 
a  march,  hard  crackers  and  coffee)  a  little  beyond  the  Occoquan  Creek. 
A  few  moments  sufficed  for  our  meal.  Off  again,  the  sunshine  giving  us 
as  much  heat  as  a  summer  day.  This  began  to  tell  on  the  roads  by  thawing. 
We  made  some  five  miles  and  halted  for  the  night,  some  distance  from 
the  road,  in  order  to  be  near  water,  and  on  a  farm  well  fenced,  which  is 
rare  to  see  here,  they  having  been  burnt.  Just  think  of  20,000  men  pulling 
down  a  worm  fence,  all  working  with  a  will  in  order  to  have  the  best  bed 
and  largest  fire.  The  boys  take  a  pride  in  this.  Rails  and  water  are  the 
greatest  want  on  our  night  halts.  The  field  was  no  better  than  a  swamp. 
Upon  the  mud  we  lay  rails  for  a  bed  and  built  a  fire.  Then  if  you  are  not 
too  much  fatigued  you  may  feel  like  scouring  the  country  for  a  mile  or  so 
in  the  hope  of  finding  a  hay  or  straw  stack.  If  you  find  one,  and  are  smart 
enough  to  get  an  armful  of  its  contents,  before  our  commanders  have, 
through  the  imbecile  orders  of  somebody,  placed  guards  over  it,  you  may 
congratulate  yourself  on  your  good  fortune.  But,  straw  or  no  straw,  there 
is  not  the  slightest  danger  of  your  not  sleeping  after  marching  fifteen 
miles  over  such  roads  in  eight  hours'  time. 

The  noisy  drums  wake  you  in  the  morning;  a  short  time  is  given  you 
for  breakfast,  which  must  be  over  before  daylight.  Our  second  day's 
march  was  a  repetition  of  the  first,  the  evening  of  which  we  found  our 
selves  at  Dumfries  Landing,  a  place  of  some  twenty  miserable  looking 
buildings,  called  houses.  Tt  has  attained  some  notoriety  since  the  rebellion, 
owing  to  the  Government  creating  it  as  a  depot  for  army  supplies.  Other 
wise  it  must  have  remained  in  obscurity.  A  man  with  a  grubbing  hoe 
would  make  money  faster  at  home,  digging  ditches,  than  he  could  if  this 
place  were  given  to  him  to  carry  away. 

About   8   o'clock   it   commenced    raining,   and   continued    to    do    so    with 

167 


undiminished  force  all  night.  Your  senses  will  easily  conceive  our  condi 
tion.  Wet — everything,  blankets  soaking,  which  added  to  their  weight. 
We  hoped  to  be  allowed  to  remain  here  until  it  would  cease  raining,  at 
least,  but  no !  The  bugle  apprised  us  that  forward  was  the  word.  At 
8  o'clock  our  column  was  in  motion.  Now  comes  a  most  difficult  task. 
What  was  frozen  ground  yesterday  is  now  deep,  stubborn  mud.  The  boys 
would  go  slipping  through  it,  and  in  it  at  any  depth  they  wished.  The 
longer  they  would  stand  the  deeper  they  would  go.  The  green  fields 
were  tried,  but  were  no  better.  It  was  soon  evident  to  us  that  the  boys 
could  do  better  if  allowed  to  go  their  own  way,  but  the  star  shoulder  strap 
gentry  insisted  on  an  unbroken  column,  but  it  could  not  be  done.  Indeed, 
the  company  officers  had  their  hands  and  heads  fully  occupied  with  their 
personal  extraction  without  paying  particular  attention  to  commands.  As 
you  would  lift  your  feet,  you  would  almost  believe  you  had  trodden  on  a 
bullfrog,  and  he  was  bellowing  with  pain,  so  great  was  the  suction  of  the 
mud.  It  was  not  at  all  uncommon  to  see  a  soldier  prying  his  boot  out  of 
the  mud  with  his  bayonet,  after  his  foot  had  pulled  out  of  it.  In  spite 
of  orders  to  the  contrary,  the  men,  of  necessity,  went  on  their  own  hook 
through  woods,  fields,  and  roads  in  turn,  and  this  of  course  led  to  con 
fusion.  Companies,  regiments,  brigades,  yes,  and  divisions,  lost  their 
identity  in  one  general  mix-up,  and  covering,  I  was  about  to  say,  the  whole 
country  (we'll  not  far  from  it).  Thus  we  went  on  for  four  hours,  and 
had  made  three  miles,  which  brought  us  to  a  creek  over  which  a  military 
bridge  had  been  built.  On  our  advance  getting  upon  it,  down  it  went. 
The  rebel  saw  had  done  its  work.  The  rain  had  swollen  the  stream  to 
such  an  extent  that  fording  would  be  fraught  with  difficulty  and  danger. 
A  council  was  held,  and  the  conclusion  was  to  ford  provided  the  artillery 
could  cross.  The  order  was  sent  back  to  forward  it  to  the  front  to  attempt 
a  passage  but  to  move  it  at  all  with  any  ordinary  means  was  out  of  the 
question.  The  deeply  imbedded  wheels  defied  the  combined  strength  of 
double  teams.  Breakdowns,  upsets,  bruised  horses,  was  the  consequence. 
Take  the  wheels  off  and  tote  them  on  logs  was  the  suggestion  of  one 
Yankee.  So  while  they  are  preparing  the  logs,  step  back  with  me  and  see 
how  the  supply  and  ambulance  trains  are  getting  along.  There  is  an  upset, 
the  load  unshipped,  a  team  of  mules  hitched  to  the  elevated  wheels  attempt 
ing  to  pull  the  wagon  down  again.  See  how  those  noble  animals  pull  under 
the  lash  of  the  whips  of  half  a  dozen  cruel  drivers.  Another  pull,  and 
both  axles  are  broken,  and  these  axles  are  no  common  affair.  They  are 
case-hardened  iron,  about  four  inches  in  diameter.  Of  course,  this 
wagon  is  now  useless,  and  it  is  in  the  way  of  the  others,  as  it  occupies  the 
whole  road.  Twenty  or  more  axes  soon  make  fragments  of  it,  so  the 
vehicle  of  $200  value  a  moment  ago  is  used  to  mend  the  roads  with.  Here 
is  another  stickfast,  a  double  team  applied ;  off  it  goes — the  mule  on  the 
lead  breaks  his  chain  and  falls  down.  It  will  not  do  to  stop,  so  the 
whole  team  tramp  on  him,  the  \vheels  of  the  wagon  passing  over  his  neck 
severs  his  head  from  his  body,  and  so  ends  his  misery.  It  is  not  worth 
our  while  to  go  farther.  Like  accidents,  sufferings,  and  waste  of  property 
would  meet  the  eyes  to  our  place  of  starting. 

168 


It  is  evident  we  cannot  leave  here  to-day.  Let  us  return  and  see  what 
the  boys  are  doing.  Carrying  rails  and  cutting  down  trees,  splitting  them 
up  to  build  their  tires  and  beds  with — carrying  straw  and  cutting  pine 
leaves  for  their  bedding.  "This  damned  wet  wood  won't  burn.  1  have 
most  blown  my  gizzard  out,  and  my  eyes  are  smoked  out."  "Keep  your 
d — d  big  feet  off  that  rail."  "Do  you  want  to  upset  my  coffee,  you — ?" 
"Say,  pardner,  lend  me  your  axe  a  moment.''  "No,  I'll  be  cursed  if  I'll 
carry  an  axe  for  all  hands."  "You  be  d — d  and  keep  your  axe ;  it's  good 
for  nothing  anyhow."  Such  sayings  you  will  hear  on  all  sides. 

After  being  enveloped  in  the  smoke  emitted  from  a  thousand  fires,  which 
the  close  growth  of  pine  tops  and  heavy  atmosphere  will  not  permit  to 
reach  its  wonted  sphere,  where  the  wood  is  converted  into  a  vast  smoke 
house,  any  change  is  a  relief,  notwithstanding  the  rain  continues.  So  let 
us  go  into  the  creek.  Here  are  eight  hundred  men  detailed  from  different 
regiments,  building  two  bridges,  one  for  the  wagons  and  the  other  for 
the  troops.  The  former  must  needs  be  a  formidable  structure.  All  day 
and  night  will  be  required  to  complete  it.  As  there  is  nothing  to  interest 
here,  and  having  no  inclination  to  lend  an  assisting  hand,  let  us  return  and 
get  another  smoking  and  get  our  coffee.  It  is  now  dark,  the  wagons  are 
coming  up  one  at  a  time.  The  horses  are  unhitched  and  sent  back  to  assist 
the  rest.  See  how  their  limbs  tremble,  note  the  thick  welts  raised  by  the 
whip,  mark  how  they  quake,  showing  a  high  state  of  nervousness  as  the 
loud  curses  of  their  drivers  strike  their  sensitive  ears.  The  heart  sickens 
at  the  sight.  Let  us  hope  that  (if  there  is  any  horse  heaven)  the  army 
horse  will  go  there.  We  cannot  reasonably  hope  as  much  for  their  drivers. 
They  will  go  to  a  worse  place  if  not  purged  of  their  cruelty  and  wicked 
ness.  Now  let  us  turn  in,  in  order  to  be  ready  in  the  morning  for  the 
command,  "forward,  march."  The  cold  sleet  which  fell  through  the  night 
impeded  the  progress  of  the  bridges,  so  that  we  did  not  start  until  noon. 
The  rain  having  ceased,  the  radiant  sun  was  a  godsend  to  us.  The  bridge 
is  safely  crossed — the  roads  somewhat  better  for  a  time,  but  eventually  we 
get  into  the  same  dilemma  which  characterized  the  march  of  preceding 
days ;  upsets  and  breakdowns  are  prevalent.  But  here  is  Acquia  Creek, 
and  the  bridge  destroyed  by  the  incendiary  torch  of  our  Rebel  foes.  Stop 
we  must.  Rails,  fire,  water  and  straw  were  again  in  requisition.  This 
farm  is  the  best  I  have  seen  in  Virginia,  with  commodious  and  costly 
buildings  upon  it,  filled  to  overflowing,  and  straw  outside  in  stacks  as 
large  as  the  Delaware  County  Court  House,  showing  the  affluence  of  its 
possessors.  To  get  some  of  his  abundance  was  solicited  by  purchase  with 
greenbacks,  but  such  overtures  were  spurned  with  disdain.  "I  will  neither 
give  you  nor  sell  you  anything  for  a  hundredfold  its  value.  I  have  plenty 
of  your  greenbacks,  but  what  use  are  they?  Your  Government  will  not 
permit  me  to  procure  a  pound  of  sugar."  And  with  this  he  would 
insultingly  order  us  off  his  place,  and  would  tauntingly  turn  on  the  guard 
who  had  been  placed  there  by  our  commanders  to  stop  us  from  taking  a 
spear  of  straw  to  lay  upon,  and  vehemently  demand  of  him  to  drive  us  off 
by  his  sabre.  The  fact  that  this  man  having  such  a  vast  amount  of 
produce  on  hand,  and  not  being  molested  by  the  Rebels,  is  evidence  to 

169 


prove  his  loyalty  to  them,  but  he  makes  no  secret  of  his  selfish  proclivities. 
He  claims  to  have  been  a  Union  man  up  to  the  time  the  President  called 
out  the  300,000,  since  which  he  is  impudent  enough  to  admit,  boastfully, 
too,  that  he  has  been  for  secession.  He  is  said  to  have  thirty  slaves.  We 
saw  a  sample,  a  girl  of  fifteen  years  of  age.  Her  clothing  was  comprised 
of  a  frock,  thrown  upon  her.  looking  as  if  arms  had  been  affixed  to  a  flour 
bag,  and  a  hole  cut  in  the  bottom,  through  which  her  head  protruded  and 
upon  which  the  wool  was  like  the  quills  on  a  porcupine.  She  was 
attempting,  as  she  said,  to  drive  a  refractory  calf  out  of  the  way  of  the 
Yankees.  She  did  some  of  the  tallest  swearing  we  ever  heard.  It  is  not 
in  accordance  with  my  views,  nor  the  desire  of  any  man  in  our  corps, 
that  the  property  of  such  a  man  should  be  vigilantly  guarded  by  Union 
troops.  Yet  it  is  so.  I  suppose  if  we  had  taken  what  we  needed  and 
burned  the  balance,  the  rebel  guerillas  of  Stuart's  Cavalry  would  not  get 
their  wants  supplied  if  they  chanced  that  way.  Three  Rebel  pickets  were 
captured  on  this  place.  They  were  taken  to  the  house,  and,  no  doubt, 
were  made  very  comfortable  by  their  host.  Our  generals  also  quartered 
there.  We  killed  some  cattle  that  came  with  us,  the  meat  of  which  we 
relished,  I  assure  you — the  first  we  had  had  for  some  time. 

Morning  came — the  creek  crossed — mud  prevailing  to  any  depth  we 
wished,  but  the  roads  being  corduroyed,  the  bottom  was  solid,  and  over 
which  the  teams  got  along  remarkably  well.  In  the  evening  we  reached 
this  place,  where  the  huts  built  by  the  Eleventh  Corps  were  assigned  to 
us,  who  left  them  on  Monday,  as  report  has  it,  to  join  Burnside,  but  only 
succeeded  in  going  seven  miles,  and  then  stuck  in  the  mud,  and  are  still 
there. 

We  know  not  what  our  movement  was  intended  to  accomplish,  or 
whether  it  had  any  connection  with  something  contemplated  by  Burnside 
or  not.  In  fact  we  know  nothing  of  the  army  or  its  movements,  our  own 
divisions  excepted.  We  have  not  seen  a  paper  for  two  weeks.  We  do  not 
attach  much  importance  to  this,  as  the  accounts  of  and  suggestions  to  the 
army,  are  mostly  read  only  to  be  ridiculed  for  their  absurdities.  We  suppose 
they  are  insisting  that  this  army  shall  move  the  shortest  road  to  Rich 
mond,  and  scatter  the  Rebels  as  easy  as  your  devils,  in  a  fit  of  passion, 
would  knock  a  stick  of  type  into  pi.  If  these  gentry  had  their  sanctums 
here  to  see  with  their  own  eyes,  and  not  through  those  of  their  reliable  and 
special  correspondents,  as  they  are  wont  to  call  air-brained  soldiers  who 
choose  to  address  a  communication  to  them,  I  think  they  would  drop 
much  of  their  well-meaning  advice  to  our  generals  and  become  practical 
men  instead  of  theoretic  enthusiasts.  Why,  sir,  I  venture  to  say  that  there 
is  not  an  editor  in  our  Congressional  District  who  could  continue  to  publish 
his  paper  for  want  of  couriers,  if  your  roads  were  half  as  bad  as  they  are 
here.  Your  humane  citizens  would  enact  an  edict  making  the  publishers 
liable  to  a  criminal  prosecution  for  brutality  to  the  men  and  horses  used 
at  such  employment. 

You  will  conclude  from  the  foregoing  that  we  have  had  a  hard  time  in 
getting  here,  and  that  the  place  and  the  surroundings  are  as  bad  as  they 
:an  be  now  we  are  here.  When  we  first  arrived  we  could  purchase  cheese 


at  50  cents  and  butter  at  75  cents  per  pound;  but  now  \ve  cannot  procure 
anything  at  any  price.  If  it  were  possible  to  have  our  ordinary  rations  in 
its  variety  it  would  be  more  than  sufficient  for  our  wants,  but  this  cannot 
be  done.  Coffee,  with  a  scarcity  of  Migar,  and  army  crackers,  constitute 
our  food.  This  you  will  conclude  is  dry  living.  So  do  wep  but  all  right 
thinking  men  will  make  but  little  complaint  since  they  have  realized  the 
difficulties  of  transportation.  I  am  fearful  we  shall  have  no  improvement 
in  this  respect  soon.  It  is  wonderful  how  well  the  men  are  under  the 
circumstances. 

1  am  most  happy  to  inform  you  that  my  health  has  been  excellent.  1 
have  not  missed  one  hour's  duty  since  we  came  on  account  of  sickness, 
or  otherwise,  for  which  1  feel  grateful.  The  Ala j or  is  well.  Remember  me 
to  my  friends.  I  would  be  much  pleased  to  have  a  line  from  you.  Missives 
from  those  we  are  wont  to  call  friends  at  home  are  most  welcome  here 
and  eagerly  looked  for. 

With  great  respect,  1  am  yours  truly, 

RALPH  BUCKLEY. 

Comments  of  the  Media  American  on  the  above  letter: 
THE  I24TH  REGIMENT. — We  publish  in  to-day's  American  a  long  and 
interesting  letter  from  this  regiment.  It  \vas  written  to  a  gentleman  in 
Media.  It  will  be  seen  that  the  health  of  the  men  is  good,  considering 
all  circumstances.  The  writer  says  in  a  postscript  which  we  have  omitted 
in  its  proper  place,  that  they  have  been  paid  up  to  the  31  st  of  October, 
out  of  which  Captain  Woodcock's  company  (of  which  he  is  a  commissioned 
officer),  and  we  will  add,  as  brave  and  as  faithful  a  one  as  the  country 
can  produce,  have  sent  home  to  their  families  the  sum  of  $2,988.  There  is 
one  statement  in  the  letter  which  strikes  us  as  something  astonishing.  It 
is  that  which  relates  to  the  guarding  and  protecting  of  Rebel  property. 
The  writer,  and  he  is  an  out-and-out  Democrat,  speaks  boldly  and  sensibly 
upon  this  point,  and  characterizes  it  as  imbecility.  It  is  even  worse  than 
imbecility;  it  is  murder.  We  have  no  hope  for  the  Army  of  the  Potomac 
or  any  other  army,  as  long  as  such  a  course  is  pursued,  and  if  this  imbecile 
way  of  crushing  the  rebellion  has  been  adopted  by  the  administration,  we 
almost  despair  of  the  end  of  it  and  the  ultimate  triumph  of  the  Union.  It 
is  time  the  people  were  speaking  out  upon  the  subject,  and  put  the  seal 
of  condemnation  upon  such  a  reckless  mode  of  procedure.  It  is  far  worse 
than  murder,  because  in  the  end  it  must  sacrifice  thousands  of  lives.  We 
must  not,  we  cannot,  permit  it  longer. 

DIARY   RESUMED. 

2Qth.     Snow  melting. '    \Ve  returned  to  camp. 

30th.  Bought  a  miserable  pie  at  Stafford  Court  House  for  seventy-five 
cents.  Eatables  scarce. 

31  st.     A  better  day,  and  we  enjoy  the  change. 
February. 

ist.     Sunday — Divine  service  at  4  P.  M. 


2ci.     Was  at  Stafford  Court  House.     The  Court  House  and  jail  used  by 
commissary.     No  families  remain  in  town. 
3d.     Snow  again. 
4th.     Dull  in  camp. 
5th.     Picket  duty.     Snow  and  drizzling  day  and  night. 

[XoTK — Notwithstanding  the  inclemency  of  the  weather  that 
the  diarist  has  just  recorded,  one  of  the  members  of  the  regiment 
takes  occasion  to  express  his  views  in  a  letter  to  the  Editor  of  the 
Delaware  Couutv  American,  and  published  in  that  paper  on  Feb 
ruary  nth,  1863.  Copied  by  the  historian,  it  is  as  follows:] 

ARMY  OF  THE  POTOMAC,  February  5,  1863. 

FRIKXD  VKRNON  : — In  these  days  when  friends  are  faint-hearted,  and  foes 
active  and  jubilant,  the  visits  of  a  paper  outspoken  and  unfaltering  as  yours, 
to  the  quiet  of  our  storm-bound  camp,  are  pleasant  and  cheering,  and  at 
the  same  time  each  new  visit  brings  to  mind  the  oft-repeated  promise  to 
wrrite  to  you,  and  through  your  columns  to  hosts  of  friends  whose  firesides 
they  visit,  and  whose  hearts  are  ever  beating  sympathetically  to  every  note 
of  cheer  from  the  army  upon  which  the  hope  of  our  Nation  trusts.  It  is 
not  necessary  for  me  to  repeat  the  oft-told  tale  of  our  troubles,  our  long- 
tried  but  unfailing  patience,  and  our  repeated  failures  at  the  very  culminat 
ing  point  of  trial  from  causes  beyond  the  power  of  the  subordinate  to 
govern.  All  these  things  are  as  well  known  to  you  as  to  us.  But  I  may 
speak  of  this  army  as  it  is,  of  its  needs,  and  its  capabilities,  and  of  what  it 
expects  and  requires  of  the  friends  at  home,  and  of  the  day  of  reckoning 
to  those  who  turn  against  them  to-day,  because  thinking  them  bound  hand 
and  foot  by  the  bonds  of  military  law,  which  will  come  as  surely  as  the 
steady  succession  of  day  and  night  rolls  around  the  passing  years. 

Of  General  Hooker,  our  new  commander,  I  shall  say  but  little,  because 
the  people  at  home  know  as  much  of  his  reputation  as  I  do  from  personal 
acquaintance,  but  his  first  executive  act  as  Commander  of  the  Army  of  the 
Potomac,  has  struck  a  deep  chord  in  the  hearts  of  the  army,  whose  vibra 
tion  will  re-echo  in  every  county  of  the  land  where  absent  friends  are  long 
ing  for  a  sight  of  absent  faces.  Many  a  mother,  wife,  sister  and  child  will 
bless  General  Hooker  as  they  clasp  once  more  the  loved  soldier,  even 
though  it  is  but  for  a  day,  and  the  soldier  will  return  to  his  post  a  new 
recruit  in  zeal  and  determination  to  endure  to  the  end.  Good  will  is  the 
first  step  in  the  road  to  confidence  and  respect,  and  General  H.  has  by  a 
single  stroke  of  the  pen,  secured  the  good-will  of  the  whole  army,  rank  and 
file,  as  well  as  at  least  the  subordinate  regimental  officers,  and  the  reaction 
in  his  favor  and  the  new7  spirit  visible  around  us  can  be  attributed  to 
nothing  else  but  the  hearty  good-will  with  which  the  order  granting 
furloughs  has  been  received. 

The  order  was  that  two  out  of  every  hundred  men,  and  two  officers  of 
the  line  and  one  of  the  staff  might  be  allowed  absence  from  each  regiment 
at  a  time  for  ten  days,  unless  living  in  distant  States,  and  to  such  fifteen 

172 


days  are  allowed.  One  party  is  already  on  the  road  or  at  home,  and  the 
wisdom  of  the  order  makes  all  the  rest  zealous  to  watch  that  these  return  at 
their  lawful  time,  for  the  next  party  cannot  go  till  these  return,  and  still 
others  wait  impatiently  for  their  succeeding  turn.  This  is  the  first  twilight 
glimpse  of  hope  of  seeing  home  for  the  men  or  officers  who  have  not  been 
unfortunate  enough  to  be  sick  or  disabled.  The  rigor  of  the  past  rules  has 
caused  many  to  envy  the  sick,  many  to  feign  sickness,  or  to  make  much  of 
little  sickness,  and  many  to  desert  because  no  plea  of  necessity,  no  urgency 
of  important  and  vital  financial  interest  at  stake,  and  no  tale,  however  well 
proved,  of  the  most  pressing  calls  of  natural  affection  tortured  by  impend 
ing  death  of  those  nearest  and  dearest,  whose  faces  had  not  been  seen 
for  months  upon  months,  could  produce  the  slightest  yielding  of  the  hard 
rules  of  war.  Let  your  plea  be  what  it  may,  the  answer  always  was, 
"thousands  of  such  cases  occur  every  day.  If  we  let  you  go,  we  must  let 
others  go,  and  break  up  the  army."  Now  we  see  foreshadowed  in  General 
Hooker's  first  general  executive  action  a  new  spirit  which  looks  beyond 
the  musket  and  sabre  of  the  ranks,  and  sees  behind  them  the  heart  of  a 
man,  and  still  overlooking  follows  the  longing  affections  of  that  heart  to 
the  home  ever  in  view,  and  opens  the  door  and  says,  freely  go,  only  as 
freely  return.  General  H.  had  touched  the  heart-strings  of  the  army,  and 
the  army's  friends.  Who  dare  say  that  he  will  have  a  less  effective  army 
in  a  month  for  this?  What  better  missionaries  can  the  Government  send 
to  every  district  of  the  land  than  such  as  this,  to  counteract  the  lying 
traitorous  influence  of  "peace  brawlers,"  whose  love  of  slavery  makes  them 
ready  to  sacrifice  army  and  country,  honor  and  all  but  their  pusillanimous 
selves,  rather  than  see  the  slaves  freed  from  the  last  strong  dungeon  of 
the  world. 

There  is  still  hope  for  the  Army  of  the  Potomac,  and  that  hope  does  not 
alone  rest  upon  the  shoulders  of  a  single  general,  as  many  so  loudly 
declaim.  M.  D. 

DIARY  RESUMED. 

6th.  Again  we  have  fresh  bread ;  the  first  for  many  weeks ;  also  fresh 
beef. 

7th.     Bad  weather  suspends  drill. 

8th.     Sunday — Regimental  inspection.     Divine  service  at  4  P.  M. 

Qth.     Brigade  drill  under  difficulties 

[XoTK  BY  HISTORIAN — War  news  being  scarce  at  this  time, 
Jos.  Ad.  Thompson,  correspondent  of  the  regiment,  avails  himself 
of  the  opportunity  to  express  himself  on  general  National  affairs 
in  a  letter  to  the  Delaware  County  American,  and  published 
therein  February  nth,  1863,  as  follows:] 

WASHINGTON,  February  9,  1863. 
CORRESPONDENCE  or  THE  "AMERICAN  :" 

D.  A.  VERNON  : 

Dear  Sir: — Those  who  have  watched  the  New  York  Stock  Market  for 
the  past  week  have  observed  with  pleasure  the  tendency  to  fall  in  the 

173 


price  uf  gold,  and  a  much  better  feeling  toward  public  securities.  This 
fall  has  taken  place  in  spite  of  the  late  news  from  Charleston,  which, 
while  it  has  somewhat  checked  it,  has  failed  to  restore  it  to  its  former 
figure.  For  the  first  time  in  some  months  there  have  been  more  sellers 
than  buyers  of  coin,  and  as  a  consequence  there  has  been  a  demand  for 
United  States  stocks  at  increased  rates.  Gold  is  the  great  barometer  of 
public  credit.  There  is  no  mistaking  its  index,  and  as  a  compensating  pen 
dulum  it  adjusts  itself  to  public  opinion  with  unerring  accuracy.  With  the 
increase  of  public  confidence  it  seeks  its  proper  level,  and  it  ever  reflects 
the  condition  of  our  governmental  policy.  Having  ceased  to  be  a  circulat 
ing  medium,  it  has  taken  its  place  among  the  fancy  stocks,  where  it  regu 
lates  the  price  of  every  merchantable  commodity.  The  question  naturally 
arises:  what  has  caused  this  decline  in  the  price  of  gold?  I  do  not  think 
it  can  be  the  financial  scheme  before  Congress,  inasmuch  as  it  has  not  been 
matured  as  yet,  and  in  its  present  form  it  is  in  some  respects  calculated  to 
increase  its  present  value.  It  is  the  plan  proposed  by  Mr.  Chase  in  some 
particulars,  it  is  true,  but  then  there  are  so  many  important  deviations 
from  his,  that  it  is  impossible  to  tell  at  this  day  what  will  be  the  important 
features  of  the  bill  when  it  shall  finally  be  passed,  and  become  a  law.  For 
my  part  I  do  not  think  that  this  financial  scheme  has  much  to  do  with  it. 
I  believe  that  there  is  no  sane  man  in  the  loyal  States  who  does  not  believe 
that  the  United  States  can  command  resources  sufficient  to  pay  every 
cent  of  its  indebtedness,  principal  and  interest,  even  if  every  dollar 
of  our  war  expenses  should  be  paid  by  issuing  paper  currency.  We  never 
knew  our  resources  until  the  war  began,  and  I  am  inclined  to  believe  that 
we  do  not  know  them  fully  yet.  We  have  not  thrown  ourselves  upon  for 
eign  powers  for  loans  to  prosecute  the  war,  but  have  raised  <:he  means  our 
selves  ;  as  a  general  rule  have  done  so  at  terms  highly  advantageous  to  the 
Government.  And  to-day,  even  while  Northern  disloyalists  are  croaking 
about  debt  and  taxation,  and  are  earnestly  endeavoring  to  increase  their 
burdens  by  their  endeavors  to  break  down  public  faith  in  the  Nation's 
ability  to  meet  its  demands — even  now — amidst  the  hubbub,  capitalists  are 
inquiring  after  Government  stocks  at  an  increased  rate,  and  cannot  pur 
chase.  This  fact  speaks  volumes  in  favor  of  the  National  credit,  and  gives 
the  lie  to  those  men  who  would  disgrace  their  country  by  destroying  its 
credit,  and  thus  deprive  it  of  the  great  sinewr  of  vital  strength. 

I  trace  this  change  to  another  cause.  I  believe  that  gold  has  reached  the 
turning  point  in  the  scale  of  prices,  and  that  henceforth  it  must  sub 
serve,  not  rule,  the  Government.  A  fictitious  premium  upon  coin,  and  the 
consequent  increase  in  prices,  is  always  injurious  and  oppressive  to  the 
laboring  man,  because  prices  of  commodities  advance  at  a  greater  ratio 
than  the  price  of  gold,  and  continue  at  this  high  figure  for  a  longer  time. 
The  merchant  who  has  purchased  goods  at  a  low  price  is  ever  ready  to 
advance  the  price  upon  the  slightest  reason,  because  it  vastly  increases  his 
profits,  and  be  who  has  purchased  at  an  advanced  rate  is  very  slow  in  bring 
ing  down  the  selling  price,  when  there  is  a  fall  in  the  market,  and  will 
not  do  so  until  actually  pressed  to  it.  Therefore  I  say  that  this  inflation  of 
the  price  of  gold  is  absolutely  ruinous  to  the  poor  man  (whose  labor  is 

1 74 


all  our  uealth),  and  how  many  of  our  citizens  who  depend  upon  their 
labor  for  their  support  can  chime  in  with  these  vultures  upon  our  National 
credit  is  to  me  a  mystery.  They  are  committing  suicide,  taking  poison  in 
order  to  induce  others  to  do  so. 

But  I  am  digressing.  1  said  1  trace  the  change  to  another  cause,  and  it 
is  this.  The  people  are  beginning  to  discover  that  this  war  is  to  be  prose 
cuted  upon  different  principles  than  heretofore.  For  nearly  two  years  has 
the  Administration  held  out  the  olive  branch  to  Southern  traitors,  and 
endeavored  by  conciliatory  measures  to  win  them  back  to  the  Union. 
Their  property  has  been  respected,  and  their  negroes  left  as  before  under 
the  direction  of  their  Rebel  masters.  Months  rolled  by,  months  of  battle,  of 
trial,  of  death,  during  which  we  organized  and  disbanded  magnificent 
armies,  and  yet  the  grand  work  of  crushing  the  rebellion  was  scarcely 
begun.  Men  of  the  North,  who  had  sent  their  sons,  and  brothers,  or  who 
had  gone  themselves  into  the  battle,  began  to  fear  for  the  salvation  of 
the  country,  under  such  a  policy,  which  was  fanned  into  a  belief  by  the  mal 
contents  at  home,  until  at  length  men  whispered  to  their  neighbors  that 
our  army  was  not  loyal.  Officers  had  been  placed  in  command  who,  as 
recent  court  martials  proved,  had  not  only  been  wanting  in  patriotism 
themselves,  but  had  poisoned  the  men  with  their  own  sentiments.  Our 
armies  had  suffered  defeat,  not  because  of  want  of  military  talent  in  the 
army,  but  because  many  of  our  prominent  generals  seemed  more  intent 
upon  their  prosperity  than  that  of  the  Nation.  I  write  this  with  shame, 
but  the  testimony  before  the  McDowell  and  Porter  investigations  have 
made  it  a  matter  of  history.  And  because  of  this  state  of  affairs  a  howl 
went  up  against  the  Administration  because  of  the  inactivity  of  the  army 
in  the  East.  In  the  West  things  went  bravely  on,  for  men  had  their 
hearts  in  the  cause  of  their  country,  until  Buell  well  nigh  robbed  the  army 
of  all  its  former  glory. 

The  howl  against  the  Administration  became  louder,  and  what  is  exceed 
ingly  strange,  it  was  made  by  the  friends  of  those  generals  who  were  the 
real  cause  of  what  they  complained. 

For  my  part,  what  I  admire  most  in  the  President,  is  that  very  thing 
of  which  many  complain.  True,  he  placed  in  high  and  responsible  positions 
those  practically  opposed  to  him.  True,  that  he  seemed  to  give  the  prefer 
ence  to  those  men  for  those  places.  True,  he  supplied  them  with  whatever 
they  demanded  without  stint  and  without  question,  and  it  is  equally  true 
that  he  sustained  them  long  after  public  sentiment  had  placed  upon  them 
a  strong  suspicion  at  least.  But  to  the  candid  mind,  this  must  all  weigh 
largely  in  his  favor,  and  redound  to  his  honor,  even  though  as  events 
have  proven,  it  was  to  say  the  least,  a  mistake.  When  Mr.  Lincoln 
became  President,  the  old  lines  of  party  distinction  had  been  severed. 
There  were  but  two  parties,  the  friends  of  the  Union  and  the  friends 
of  disunion.  War  was  upon  us,  and  every  man  had  to  decide  for  or 
against  his  country.  The  Administration  is  the  country;  through  it  alone 
can  it  be  saved,  and  he  who  wished  to  give  his  support  to  the  latter  became 
the  friend  of  the  former.  The  President  evidently  took  this  view  of  it, 
and  throwing  aside  all  party  distinctions,  he  knew  but  one  creed — loyalty 

175 


to  the  Union — and  when  those  who  had  opposed  his  election  stepped  for 
ward  to  his  support,  he  gave  them  the  double  credit  of  throwing  away 
party  for  country,  and  placed  them  in  power.  How  well  they  have  wielded 
that  power  recent  investigations  fully  show ;  but  let  no  man  charge  upon 
the  Administration  the  results  of  this  misplaced  confidence.  On  the  other 
hand,  in  strong  contrast  with  the  actions  of  these  designing  men,  that  of 
the  President  blazes  out  in  fuller  glory. 

But  now  mark  the  change.  Truth  has  developed  itself,  and  the  army  is 
purged  of  this  element,  which  was  taken  in  trust.  A  new  regimen  is 
proclaimed.  Men  in  position  must  not  only  have  ability,  but  must  be 
above  suspicion  on  the  score  of  loyalty.  The  olive  branch,  so  long  held  out 
to  the  Rebels,  is  thrown  aside  after  being  laughed  at  by  them,  and  all  the 
resources  in  our  power  are  to  be  used  to  subdue  this  traitor  rebellion. 
The  decree  has  gone  forth  declaring  emancipation  to  the  slave,  and  hence 
the  removal  of  the  cause  of  the  war.  A  resolve  has  been  made  to  rid  our 
country  of  the  cause  which  has  kept  us  in  commotion  for  half  a  century, 
and  which  has  drawn  the  lifeblood  from  one  hundred  thousand  soldiers 
of  the  North.  Nay,  more  than  that,  acting  upon  that  truism, 

"Who  would  be  free,  himself  must  strike  the  blow," 

the  negro  is  to  be  armed,  and  instead  of  assisting  the  power  that  chains 
him,  and  slaughters  us,  he  is  to  aid  in  his  own  regeneration  from  bondage. 
This  is  the  keynote  now  struck  by  the  Nation,  and  the  increased  confi 
dence  of  the  community  attests  its  virtue  and  its  power. 

I  do  not  care  what,  squeamish  notions  men  may  have  on  the  question, 
in  the  abstract;  I  do  not  care  what  fastidious  ideas  they  may  have  about 
caste  and  color,  for  if  I  did,  I  might  stop  to  debate  this  feature  of 
National  policy  myself.  I  know  it  is  a  means  in  our  power  of  crushing 
the  rebellion  and  restoring  peace  and  honor  to  the  Nation,  and  knowing 
this,  as  a  loyal  man,  I  say  God  speed.  We  must  not,  in  this  our  hour  of 
trial,  suppose  that  we  can  sip  nectar  and  call  upon  Jupiter  for  aid.  We 
must  not  suppose  when  disease  preys  upon  us  that  the  medicine  for  its 
cure  will  always  be  palatable,  but  we  must  use  our  means  to  the  end,  and 
know  nothing  but  the  cause  of  our  common  country. 

The  proclamation  of  emancipation  is  called  a  paper  proclamation.  So  it 
is  as  yet.  The  blockade  was  called  a  paper  blockade,  so  it  was  for  half  a 
year.  The  Declaration  of  Independence  was  called  a  paper  declaration, 
and  so  it  was  for  seven  years,  but  trial,  and  trust,  and  courage,  and  blood, 
and  the  use  of  all  means  in  our  power,  gave  it  life  and  law  and  us'  liberty. 
And  so  the  use  of  the  negroes,  as  yet,  may  be  paper  pronunciaments,  but 
as  they  are  to  be  used  to  perpetuate  our  Nation,  and  not  as  heretofore,  to 
destroy  it,  I  believe,  in  God's  own  time,  that  it  will  work  their  ransom, 
and  our  own.  The  signs  of  the  times  indicate  this.  The  inflexible  laws  of 
trade,  that  know  nothing  but  law,  prove  that  it  is  no  idle  hypothesis.  Gold, 
the  king  of  WTall  Street,  has  already  moved  the  finger  upon  the  dial  plate 
of  public  credit,  and  to  me,  shows  that  our  Nation,  in  its  throes  of  agony, 
has  passed  the  turning  point.  Let  us  now  look  forward  with  faith  and 
hope.  The  vile  hootings  of  foreign  nations,  and  more  vile  bowlings  of  our 

1/6 


disloyal  people,  has  failed  to  destroy  our  National  credit,  and  we  have  con 
clusively  demonstrated  that  henceforth  we  have  only  to  use  well  our 
resources  in  order  to  do  well  the  Godlike  work  of  regenerating  our 
Nation. 

Yours  truly, 

"STEELE  PENNE." 

DIARY   RESUMED. 
February. 

loth.     Drills.     Special  practice  in  load  and  fire. 

nth.     Picket  duty  at  old  mill  race.     Rations  for  four  days. 

I2th.     Good  times  with  12  men  at  the  old  mill. 

1 4th.     Skirmish   at   our   outer    picket   post.      Rebs   repulsed.      A    raid    is 
feared  on  the  mill.     Great  caution  exercised. 

I5th.     Returned  to  camp,  relieved  off  of  picket. 

i8th.     Rain,  and  another  day  in  camp  idleness. 

igth.     On  picket  duty.     Roads  almost  unusable. 

2ist.     Three  days'  ration  of  fresh  bread.     What's  up? 

22d.     Heavy  snow  fall.     Men  receive  furloughs. 

24th.     Boys  indulge  in  sno\v  ball  exercise  in  camp. 

25th.     Alarm  on  picket  line.     One-half  the  regiment  on  picket  and  guard. 

26th.     Raining.     Alarm  a  mystery. 

27th.     Bad  day ;  big  mess  of  bean  soup. 

28th.     Regiment  again  mustered  for  pay. 
March. 

ist.     Rain.     Our  barrel  rlue  takes  fire,  but  is  soon  under  control. 

2cl.     Better  quarters  secured  for  regiment;  surrounded  by  trees. 

3d.     Picket    duty.      Strict    orders    for    watchfulness.      No   fires    at    night 
allowed. 

4th.     Two  days'  rations  of  fresh  bread.     Better  conditions  in  camp  and 
weather. 

5th.     On    fatigue   duty   on    corduroy   roads.     We   cut   and    load    timber. 
Each  company  has  its  special  work. 

6th.     Brigade    practice    for     review     before     General     Hooker.      Roads 
improve. 

7th.     Regiment  in  line  for  inspection,  but  no  authorized  officer  appears. 

Qth.     Regimental  inspection.     Men  highly  complimented. 

loth.     Sno\v  squalls.     Bean  soup  the  big  card. 

nth.     Removed  to  new  camp,  one  mile  north  of  old  quarters. 

I2th.     Regiment  called  into  line  at  3  A.  M.     Attack  expected  on  landing 
half  mile  distant.     Daylight  found  all  well. 

T3th.     On  picket   at   Kane's   landing.      Oysters   quite   plentiful    in   creek. 
Strict  orders  on  picket  keep  us  watchful. 

i.<j.th.     Returned  off  of  picket.     Had  a  big  dinner  in  camp ;   fried  beef, 
gravy  and  crackers. 

I5th.     Sunday — Thunder  and  lightning.     Regimental  inspection.     Divine 
service  in  afternoon ;  General  Kane  and  staff  present. 

12  177 


i6th.     Three  days'  rations  of  fresh  bread  and  fresh  beef  make  all  happy. 

1 7th.     Brigade  review  by  General  Williams. 

i8th.  Brigade  drill.  Division  review  by  General  Slocum.  False  alarm 
on  picket  line. 

igth.  Grand  review  in  the  morning-  by  General  Hooker,  Commander 
of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac.  Heavy  cannonading  at  Fredericksburg. 

20th.  Snow.  Quarters  inspected  by  the  Surgeon-General ;  Army  of  the 
Potomac. 

[XoTK — Amid  the  cold  and  storms  of  winter,  many  a  young 
soldier  passed  from  earthly  scenes  as  a  result  of  disease  or  from 
wounds  received  in  battle.  The  following  "Tributes  of  Respect," 
copied  by  the  historian  from  the  Delaware  Comity  American  of 
March  25th,  1863.  are  but  reminders  of  many  such  incidents:] 


CAMP  NEAR  STAFFORD  C.  H.,  March  20,  1863. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  members  of  Company  B,  Caprain  Woodcock,  I24th 
Regiment,  P.  V.,  a  committee  was  appointed  to  draft  resolutions  expressive 
of  the  regrets  of  the  company  on  learning  of  the  death  of  our  late  com 
panion  in  arms,  James  Makin,  at  the  Lincoln  Hospital,  Washington,  D.  C., 
of  typhoid  fever.  The  following  are  the  names  of  the  committee  :  Sergeant 
R.  T.  Williams,  Thomas  Chambers,  Corporal  William  Major,  John  Patter 
son,  Hiram  Hizer. 

It  is  with  feelings  of  profound  sorrow  that  we  assemble  to  pay  this 
tribute  of  respect  to  the  memory  of  our  deceased  brother,  and  to  offer 
words  of  sympathy  to  his  wife  and  relations.  He  had  among  his'  comrade? 
in  arms  many  sincere  friends,  and  no  enemies.  His  death,  alas !  is  but  an 
oft-told  tale  in  these  sad  days  of  our  history.  A  patriotic  sense  of  duty 
to  his  country  impelled  this1  noble-minded  man  to  forego  the  attractions  of 
home  and  the  quiet  pursuits  of  peaceful  life,  and  offer  his  services  to  his 
country.  But  disease,  the  most  dreaded  foe  of  the  soldier,  ever  hovering 
in  the  camp,  claimed  him,  and  the  spirit  of  James  Makin  was  freed  from  a 
world  of  strife  to  a  peaceful  home  in  Heaven.  Thus  another  is  added  to  the 
sad  list  of  deaths  on  the  records  of  Company  B,  and  another  patriotic 
soldier  been  sacrificed  to  the  insatiate  Moloch  of  this  sanguinary  rebellion. 
It  was  but  meet  that  his  remains  should  be  interred  in  Rockdale  church 
yard,  where  they  may  gently  repose  far  from  the  noise  of  battle  feuds  and 
war's  exciting  alarms.  Let  bright  flowers  shed  their  perfume  on  his  hon 
ored  grave,  and  summer  birds  chant  his  requiem. 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  the  foregoing  be  sent  to  the  wife  of  the 
deceased  soldier,  and  that  it  be  published  in  the  Delaware  County  American. 

SERGEANT  R.  T.  WILLIAMS,  Chairman. 
HIRAM  CHAMBERS,  Secretary. 

178 


Tribute  to  William  Heyburn,  deceased.  The  members  of  Company  D, 
I2_)th  P.  Y.,  have  offered  a  tribute  of  respect  to  William  Heyburn,  one  of 
their  late  comrades-in-arms.  At  a  meeting  for  the  purpose,  of  \vhich  J.  F. 
WorrilovV  was  chairman,  and  William  Martin,  secretary,  a  committee, 
consisting  of  John  Palmer,  Menanda  Slack  and  David  W.  Eyre,  was 
appointed  to  draft  resolutions  expressive  of  the  high  regard  of  the  com 
pany  for  the  deceased,  and  to  offer  words  of  sympathy  to  his  relatives. 
They  set  forth  his  virtues,  his  faithfulness  and  his  bravery,  and  the  high 
esteem  with  which  he  was  regarded  by  his  officers  and  companions.  In 
their  intercourse  with  him  he  exhibited  the  qualities  of  the  soldier  and 
Christian.  A  copy  of  the  resolutions  were  sent  to  each  of  the  county 
papers  and  also  to  the  family  of  the  deceased. 

TRIP.UTES    OK    RESPECT. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  members  of  Company  F,  i2_|.th  Regiment,  P.  V., 
held  at  their  camp  near  Stafford  Court  House,  Va.,  March  20th,  1863,  the 
following  preamble  and  resolutions  were  unanimously  adopted  : 

WHEREAS,  God.  in  His  infinite  wisdom,  has  permitted  death  to  enter  our 
ranks  and  claim  for  his  own  two  of  our  comrades-in-arms,  one,  Hamilton 
Monaghan,  by  disease;  the  other,  Charles  Roxburg,  by  wounds  received 
in  the  battle  of  Antietam;  we  take  this  method  of  rendering  our  tribute  of 
respect  to  their  memory,  and  of  condolence  with  their  friends ;  therefore, 

Resolved,  That  we  deeply  deplore  the  loss  of  our  dead  fellow-soldiers, 
who  were  a  pleasure  and  a  comfort  to  us,  always  kind,  always  prompt  to 
their  pest  duty,  but  while  feeling  their  loss,  we  acknowledge  the  hand  of 
God  in  this  dispensation,  and  bow  humbly  to  His  wisdom  and  power. 

Resolved,  That  while  we  miss  their  answering  voices  at  our  daily  roll- 
calls,  we  hope  to  meet  them  where  the  rude  shocks  of  war  never  occur, 
and  the  roll-call  of  the  army  of  God  is  sung  by  Angels  from  the  Lamb's 
Book  of  Life. 

Rcsoh'cd,  That  we  lovingly  sympathize  with  their  mourning  relatives 
and  friends  in  this  sad  affliction,  but  while  doing  so,  we  must  ask  them 
to  look  to  God  for  that  comfort  which  passeth  the  power  of  man  to  give, 
and  Who  has  promised  a  home  in  that  "house  not  made  with  hands,  eternal 
in  the  Heavens,"  to  every  one  who  does  His  bidding. 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  resolutions  be  sent  to  each  of  the  fami 
lies  of  the  deceased,  and  published  in  the  Chester  and  Delaware  County 
papers. 

SERGEANT  GEORGE  R.  MAXTON,  President. 
LIEUTENANT  W.  D.  CHRISTMAN, 
LIEUTENANT    WM.    H.    WHITEHEAD, 
CORPORAL  JOSEPH  P.  WAY, 

Committee. 

DTARY   RESUMED. 
March. 

2ist.     Snowr.     Pea  soup  for  dinner;  not  equal  to  bean. 

22d.  Rigid  regimental  inspection  in  morning.  Band  of  I7th  Pennsyl 
vania  Cavalry  gave  concert  in  afternoon. 

179 


23d.     Non-commissioned  officers  drill  special  and  dress  parade. 

24th.  We  are  assigned  to  new  brigade  and  bid  good-bye  to  best  quarters 
\ve  had  in  Virginia.  We  move  to  within  one  mile  of  Acquia  Creek  and 
camp  in  woods. 

25th.     Brigade    review.      Our   brigade    now   includes   2Qth,    logth,    iiith, 

I24th    and     I25th,     all     Pennsylvania  troops,    General    Thomas    L.    Kane. 

Second    Division,    General    John    W.    Geary,    and    Twelfth    Army    Corps, 

General    H.    W.     Slocum.      An     onward     movement     to     Fredericksburg 

anticipated. 

26th.     On  picket  duty  at  a  proposed  new  fort. 

27th.     Brigade  review  by  General  Geary.     Dress  parade. 

28th.     Rumored  evacuation  of  Fredericksburg. 


BY  DIARIST  —  The  muddy  march  while  our  corps  was 
hurried  forward  to  reinforce  General  Burnside's  Army  before 
Fredericksburg  was  a  winter  experience  in  Virginia  that  will 
never  pass  from  memory.  Transferred  from  the  mountain  dis 
tricts  next  to  London  Valley,  where  the  camp  life  and  environ 
ments  were  most  delightful,  we  now  came  upon  the  reverse  con 
ditions.  The  infantry  in  its  marches  kept  along  the  sides  of  the 
roads  and  made  fairly  good  headway,  but  the  artillery  and  the 
wagon  trains  had  the  experience  of  their  lives.  It  was  an 
ordinary  sight  to  see  the  wheels  immersed  to  the  hub  and  mules' 
ears  about  the  only  things  in  sight  of  those  faithful  quadrupeds.] 

2gth.     Regimental  inspection. 

30th.     On  duty  with  15  men  at  Acquia  Creek  landing. 

3  ist     Snow;  bad  day. 

[NoTE  —  In  the  opinion  of  the  historian,  the  realities  of  war 
cannot  be  better  described  than  by  those  who  took  an  active  part 
in  it.  The  following  letter  and  comments  are  copied  from  the 
Delaware  County  American  of  April  8th,  1863.  The  writer,  Ralph 
Buckley,  was  Lieutenant  of  Company  B  :] 

FROM  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FOURTH 

REGIMENT. 

THE  VOICE  OF  A  DELAWARE  COUNTY  DEMOCRAT. 

The  following  excellent  letter  from  a  Delaware  County  Demo 
crat,  and  an  officer  in  the  I24th  Regiment,  will  be  read  with  inter 
est  by  the  people  of  this  county.  Among  the  very  warmest  friends 
of  the  writer  are  to  be  found  those  who  cling  the  closest  to  the 
copperheads,  and  we  ask  them  what  they  think  of  his  opinion  of 

180 


the  position  they  occupy?  Will  they  accept  his  words  as  the 
counsel  of  a  friend?  If  he  falls,  and  Heaven  protect  his  patriotic 
heart,  he  deserves  "it  to  be  recorded  that  he  was  no  copperhead." 
Thank  God  for  such  men  in  this  hour  of  trial.  None  are  deserv 
ing1  of  greater  honor.  We  cannot  but  loathe  with  all  our  hearts 
the  vipers  in  our  midst,  who  have  been  left  as  friends  at  home, 
who,  by  the  position  they  assume,  are  speeding  Rebel  bullets  with 
deadlier  aim  at  loyal  hearts.  Knowing  this,  we  ask  them,  can  they 
go  to  their  beds  and  rest  in  comfort?  We  think  not,  for  \ve  yet 
believe  them  human.  The  letter  is  addressed  to  Isaac  Halde- 
man,  of  Media,  who  has  kindly  handed  it  to  us  for  publication. 

CAMP  NEAR  ACQUIA  CREEK  LANDING,  VA.,  March  30,  1863. 
To  ISAAC  HALDEMAN  : 

Esteemed  Friend:  At  our  last  interview  allusion  was  made  to  the 
despondent  feeling  which  prevailed  in  the  army  at  that  time.  It  is  most 
gratifying  to  inform  you  that  that  feeling  has  passed  away.  This  change 
has  been  so  gradual  as  to  be  almost  imperceptible,  so  the  mind  can 
scarcely  realize  in  the  absence  of  victory  to  our  arms,  that  the  army  of 
January  is  still  on  the  hanks  of  the  Rappahannock.  But  we  know  it  is 
composed  of  the  same  men  with  greatly  changed  feelings.  The  days  of 
wholesale  desertion  are  among  the  past;  the  sullen  compliance  to  orders 
has  given  way  to  cheerfulness  and  apparent  determination.  The  policy 
of  this  or  that  measure  of  the  Administration  is  less  canvassed  and  sub 
jected  to  less  speculation.  Not  to  ridicule  orders,  but  to  obey  them,  is 
the  plain  duty  of  a  soldier.  This  principle  seems  to  he  better  understood. 
The  feeling  against  the  powers  that  be,  which  the  enlistment  of  the  negro 
engendered,  is  also  passing  away.  It  is  only  by  those  whose  patriotism  (if 
they  had  any)  is  worn  out,  and  who  are  therefore  tired  of  the  service,  that 
objection  is  made  to  the  colored  soldier.  This  class  grasps  at  every  pretext, 
either  real  or  imaginary,  which  is  calculated  to  draw  odium  on  those  they 
have  sworn  to  serve,  and  thus  detract  attention  from  their  own  sinister  and 
cowardly  motives.  The  125,000  deserters  have  lessened  their  number. 
Whilst  it  is  true  that  the  great  majority  of  this  army  have  a  strong 
prejudice  against  the  colored  race  which  forbids  their  equality,  still  I 
assure  you  that  the  patriot  and  soldier  who  has  settled  on  the  fact  that  this 
rebellion  cannot  he  put  down  except  by  the  force  of  arms,  will  not  object 
to  who  uses  the  weapons.  The  reality  of  war  in  which  jthey  have  taken  a 
faithful  part  has  driven  all  such  nonsense  out  of  them.  They  have 
awakened  to  realize  the  magnitude  of  this  conflict.  They  are  therefore 
willing  that  any  and  every  expedient  within  the  reach  of  the  Government 
shall  be  used  for  the  consummation  for  which  they  are  hazarding  their 
lives.  If  the  apparent  inactivity  of  Hooker  has  been  productive  of  no  good 
other  than  the  working  of  this  change  of  feeling  in  the  minds  of  the  troops, 
the  time  has  been  profitably  spent.  But  more  has  been  effected.  Material 

181 


changes  have  been  made  in  all  the  departments.  The  Grand  right,  Grand 
left  and  Grand  center,  Grand  reserve  corps  or  divisions  under  so  many 
Major-Generals,  in  a  measure  independent  of  each  other,  made  so  possibly, 
to  divide  the  honors,  with  a  Banks,  a  Sumner,  a  Franklin,  a  Porter,  a 
Seigel,  etc.,  it  was  not  strange  that  there  should  be  but  little  honors  to 
divide  under  such  an  organization  (or  rather  in  the  absence  of  organiza 
tion).  Hooker  has  discarded  this  Grand  Division  system,  regarding  them 
as  they  have  proved  to  be — so  many  grand  humbugs,  out  of  which  let  us 
hope  he  has  created  a  Grand  Army.  Many  changes  have  been  made  in 
these  appointments.  The  troops  from  different  States  have  been  as  far  as 
possible  brigaded  together.  This  arrangement  has  changed  us ;  we  have 
five  regiments  from  our  own  State  in  our  brigade. 

At:  a  review  a  few  days  ago  General  Kane  addressed  the  officers  of  his 
command  in  truly  eloquent  language.  Said  he :  ''Gentlemen,  we  have  over 
2,500  men  for  duty  in  this  brigade,  all  Pennsylvanians,  quite  a  number 
to  disgrace  our  noble  Commonwealth  if  we  do  not  stick  together.  We  can 
effect  much  if  we  mutually  support  each  other.  If  we  act  the  part  of  good 
soldiers,  gentlemen,  we  shall  confer  everlasting  glory  on  our  State,  and 
honor  to  your  own  names.  There  is  no  reason  why  the  brigade  should  not 
be  as  much  of  a  unit  as  the  battalion  is.  and  I  mean  that  this  brigade  shall 
be.  I  enjoin  upon  you  to  use  what  time  we  may  have  to  the  utmost 
extent  in  bringing  your  respective  commands  to  the  highest  order  of  fight 
ing  trim.  We  shall  not  have  to  wait  longer  than  two  weeks  (one  of 
which  has  passed)  before  we  get  what  will  be  gratifying  to  me,  and  I 
know  it  will  be  so  to  you ;  namely,  the  order  to  drive  the  enemy  of  our 
country  from  over  yonder.''  Much  more  was  said,  but  my  feeble  pen 
cannot  do  him  justice.  He  is  very  vehement  in  his  delivery.  He  has  no 
rival  in  his  hatred  towrard  the  Rebels.  He  has  an  amount  of  perseverance, 
determination  and  valor  that  is  not  embodied  in  any  other  man  of  5  feet 
4  inches  high  and  of  95  pounds  weight.  We  have  other  evidences  of  an 
early  engagement  on  rebeldom.  New  guns  have  been  substituted  for  those 
out  of  sorts  on  minor  points.  Indeed,  every  article  that  is  not  clear  grit 
is  to  be  cast  aside  and  better  substituted.  Clothing,  good  and  abundant, 
has  been  supplied.  This  in  itself  has  raised  the  self-importance  of  the 
soldier,  when  he  compares  his  present  appearance  with  the  shoeless,  ragged 
and  dirty  being  he  was  a  short  time  ago.  An  order  has  been  issued  direct 
ing  the  superfluous  baggage  of  officers  to  be  sent  to  the  rear,  as  none  will 
be  hauled  on  our  next  move ;  even  forage  is  to  be  transferred  on  the  backs 
of  pack  mules.  Our  march  is  not  to  be  retarded  by  a  cumbersome  wagon 
train  which  would  make  the  roads  impassable  for  ammunition,  ordnance 
and  troops,  besides  the  large  body  of  men  necessary  to  guard  it  will  be 
dispensed  with.  Good  corduroy  roads  have  been  constructed  radiating  from 
Falmouth  in  several  directions,  so  MUD  will  not  be  the  conquering  general 
on  this  side  of  the  river  at  all  events,  and  if  we  get  on  the  opposite  side  in 
good  shape,  surely  we  can  move  as  readily  as  our  enemy.  If  we  succeed, 
as  I  have  faith  we  shall,  in  driving  the  Rebels  from  their  boasted  \vorks, 
our  curtailed  wagon  train  will  facilitate  the  pursuit  and  possibly  be  the 
means  of  enabling  us  to  gain  or  cover  the  works  before  Richmond.  If 

182 


this  is  accomplished  1  shall  feel  grateful  that  it  has  been  my  privilege  to 
participate  in  it.  If  1  should  be  numbered  with  the  dead  we  will  not  meet 
again  (I  have  better  hopes,  but  it  is  possible).  If  it  should  so  happen, 
however,  I  desire  it  to  be  recorded  that  1  was  no  copperhead,  but  anything, 
no  matter  how  loathsome  the  name,  that  would  crush  this  hellish  conflict 
and  restore  my  adopted  country  to  its  once  more  happy  and  prosperous 
condition.  Hoping  this  scribble  will  mid  you  as  it  leaves  the  regiment,  in 
good  health,  may  we  of  the  Seventh  Congressional  District  do  our  full  duty 
in  this,  the  afternoon  of  our  service.  Remember  me  to  my  friends. 

I  am  truly  yours, 

RALPH  BUCKLEY. 
DIARY  RESUMED. 
April. 

ist.  Lieutenant  VVhitehead  and  I  secured  passes  and  went  to  Falmouth; 
had  a  good  time  with  friends  in  the  95th  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  and 
remained  over  night  with  friends  in  the  68th  P.  V. 

2(1.  Made  a  detour  of  camps  about  Potomac  bridge,  particularly  inter 
ested  in  bayonet  exercise  of  Zouaves.  Returned  to  camp  at  Acquia  Creek. 

3d.  Two  and  a  half  hours'  company  drill  in  morning,  same  in  regimental 
drill  in  afternoon;  dress  parade  in  evening. 

4th.     Brigade  drill  three  hours  in  morning. 

5th.     Snow  to  depth  of  three  inches ;  did  not  last  long. 

6th.  Order  of  day  at  present:  Reveille,  6  A.  M. ;  breakfast,  6.30;  sick 
call,  7;  guard  mount,  9;  company  drill,  10  to  12;  dinner;  regimental  drill, 
2  to  4  P.  M. ;  dress  parade  at  5.30;  supper,  6;  tattoo  at  8.30,  and  taps  at 
9  P.  M. 

/th.     Company  G  on  fatigue  duty. 

8th.     Drill  and  dress  parade. 

9th.     Police  duty. 

loth.  Grand  review  near  Stafford  Court  House  by  President  Abraham 
Lincoln,  Generals  Hooker  and  Sickels.  A  big  day,  marched  14  miles. 

nth.     Unusual  heavy  firing  in  front,  brought  whole  division  into  line. 

I2th.  Quite  a  number  of  delinquents  returned  to  camp  at  this  time  as 
a  result  of  President  IJnicohrs  proclamation,  Xo.  150. 

I3th.  General  inspection  of  guns,  accoutrements  and  clothing  of 
regiment. 

[XoTK — Tn  the  darkest  days  of  the  Rebellion,  the  loyal  hearts 
of  the  Xorth  believed  that  Providence  would  eventually  bring 
victory  to  our  cause,  and  as  an  instance  of  that  belief,  the  historian 
has  copied  the  following  letter  of  Jos.  Ad.  Thompson,  as  pub 
lished  in  the  Delaware  County  American,  April  I5th,  1863:] 

WASHINGTON,  D.  C.,  April  13,  1863. 
D.  A.  VERNON  : 

Dear  Sir:  I  was  pleased  to  read  that  letter  in  yourjast  issue  from 
Ralph  Buckley,  of  the  I24th  P.  V.  I  know  he  will  pardon  me  for  giving 

183 


his  Christian  name  instead  of  his  title,  for  I  very  well  remember  the  day 
when  the  regiment  landed  at  Washington,  when  coats  were  new  and 
buttons  bright,  and  when  shoulder  straps  glittered  in  unsoiled  lustre,  that 
lie  wore  a  duster  closely  buttoned  to  the  chin,  lest  someone  should  know  he 
was  an  officer.  It  was  one  of  those  very  remarkable  instances  of  an  officer 
hiding  instead  of  parading  into  notice  his  straps,  and  so  I  say  he  will 
excuse  me  for  my  seeming  want  of  etiquette.  That  letter  of  his  is  a  noble 
one,  and  shows  the  nobility  of  him  that  wrote  it.  It  is  chock  full  of  whole 
some  truths,  and  they  fell  upon  me  as  I  read  it  like  heavenly  dew.  How7 
it  made  loyal  hearts  thrill.  How  it  silences  the  croaking  of  those  at  home 
who  have  endeavored  to  spread  the  idea  that  the  army  is  demoralized  and 
desponding.  With  such  men  in  the  field  there  is  no  danger.  Victory  will 
perch  upon  our  banners  as  sure  as  there  is  a  God  in  Heaven. 

That  letter  echoes  the  ring  of  the  army.  After  months  of  purgation, 
during  which  resignations  and  dismissals  have  been  very  numerous,  we 
have  once  again  a  loyal  army,  which,  under  the  guidance  of  Hooker,  that 
man  of  steel  and  devotedness  to  his  country,  will  ere  long  show  by  its 
work  its  efficiency.  I  know  there  has  never  been  an  hour  since  the  flag 
fell  at  Sumpter  when  our  army  has  been  such  a  unit  as  now.  I  know  that 
there  never  has  been  such  concert  of  action  between  the  different  com 
ponent  parts  of  the  army  as  now.  I  know  that  there  never  has  been  as  good 
discipline  in  the  army  as  now,  and  it  is  not  only  false,  but  wickedly  so, 
for  any  man  to  endeavor  to  prove  the  contrary. 

The  ruin  that  was  predicted  would  follow  the  President's  proclamation 
has  not  appeared,  but,  on  the  contrary,  our  army  has  increased  in  numbers, 
our  commanders  in  zeal  and  our  desponding  troops  have  been  buoyed  up 
into  glorious  hope  and  grateful  activity.  Nay,  more  than  this,  our  credit 
has  increased,  and  the  loan  that  croaking  malcontents  said  would  go  beg-- 
ging  r;t  great:  sacrifice,  is  being  taken  as  rapidly  as  press  and  pen  can  supply 
the  bonds.  Does  any  man  suppose  that  our  resources  are  being  exhausted? 
They  are  not  yet  developed.  Does  anyone  suppose  that  our  present  debt 
is  onerous?  Why  it  does  not  yet  amount  to  our  voluntary  tax  for  luxuries. 
The  work  is  going  on  and  on  to  success,  and  woe  to  him  who  does  not  aid 
it.  He  may  oppose  it  now.  but  there  is  a  tide  gathering,  and  as  sure  as  it 
exists  it  will  overwhelm  him.  I  see  the  hand  of  God  in  this  work.  I 
can  trace  His  providence  in  it  throughout  the  whole  period,  and  I  believe 
that  in  His  own  good  time  He  will  crown  the  result  with  a  great  victory, 
and  a  great  charter  of  liberty. 

Let  us  hope  and  pray,  and  believe.  Let  us  aid  and  exalt  those  who  are 
the  actors,  so  that  whatever  stain  may  be  upon  our  banner,  WE  may  be 
able  to  say  that  WE  did  not  assist  to  place  it  there. 

The  attack  on  Charleston  has  commenced.  In  that  let  us  not  be  impa 
tient.  The  work  has  been  well  planned,  and  will  be  well  finished.  But 
we  must  not  expect  victory  in  an  hour.  That  attack  is  one  of  the  greatest 
and  grandest  moves  ever  made  upon  a  military  chess  board.  The  world 
never  saw  so  great  a  military  undertaking.  Charleston  and  its  approaches 
have  been  fortified  with  all  the  aid  of  the  highest  military  skill,  and  from 
the  ocean  to  the  rear  of  the  city  is  one  vast  continuation  of  giant  obstacles. 

184 


On  the  other  hand,  we  arc  approaching  it  with  the  most  formidable  engines 
of  destruction  ever  constructed.  Sebastapol  \vas  a  tower  of  strength  and 
kept  the  combined  forces  of  England  and  France  for  seven  months  at  bay. 
Yet  it  fell.  Monitors  may  sink,  and  batteries  be  silenced,  yet  patience,  for 
CHARLESTON  WILL  FALL. 

The  report  of  the  committee  on  the  conduct  of  the  war  is  being  pub 
lished.  It  is  merely  a  collection  of  all  the  official  facts  and  I  hope  every 
one  will  read  it.  After  having  done  so,  I  trust  that  we  shall  all  better 
appreciate  the  course  of  the  Administration,  in  the  many  changes  made  in 
the  army. — often  without  an  apparent  reason. 

It  teaches  us  the  lesson  that  henceforth  we  must  cease  worshiping  men, 
and  stand  upon  principles,  for  by  so  doing  we  have  misvalued  the  former 
and  forgotten  the  latter. 

Yours  truly. 

"STEEEE  PENNE." 

DIARY   RESUMED. 
April. 

I4th.  Received  marching  orders ;  eight  days'  rations ;  five  in  knapsack 
and  three  in  haversack.  Extra  clothing  to  be  deposited  in  camp. 

1 5th.     Raining,  no  march. 

i6th.     Cloudy  and  threatening;   waiting. 

1 7th.  Cloudy;  looks  like  more  rain.  Received  four  months'  pay.  Com 
pany  drill. 

i8th.     Sutler's  supplies  in  big  demand.     Waiting. 

iQth.  Sunday — Brigade  commissary  inspection  and  finds  five  days' 
rations  in  knapsacks ;  crackers,  coffee,  sugar  and  salt  pork.  Divine  service 
and  dress  parade. 

2Oth.     Regiment  still  up  with  the  eight  day  rations.     More  rain. 

21  st.     Slight  rain.     Regimental  drills  in  afternoon. 

22d.  Regiment  engages  in  target  practice.  All  sick  and  halt  removed 
from  camp  to  Washington. 

2^d.     Raining  all  day. 

24th.     Rain  ;  clearer  in  afternoon. 

25th.     Target  practice 

26th.  Sunday — Inspection  of  arms  in  morning.  Divine  service  P.  M. 
Orders  to  march  at  daylight. 

27th.  On  the  move,  passed  through  Stafford  Court  House,  crossed 
Potomac  Creek,  and  camped  after  i6-mile  march. 

28th.  Resumed  march  at  3  A.  M. ;  passed  Hartwood  Church ;  Groves 
Church  and  Cnttenden's  Mill  and  halted  for  night  after  2i-mile  march. 

2Qth.  Resumed  march  at  4  A.  M. ;  showery;  passed  Mt.  Holly  Church, 
crossed  Rappahannock  River  at  Kelly's  Ford,  and  at  TO  o'clock  at  night 
crossed  the  Rapidan ;  bridge  destroyed,  all  of  corps  crossed  and  camped  at 
midnight.  Made  14  miles.  Picked  up  a  number  of  stray  Rebs. 

3Oth.  Showery ;  under  way  again  at  dawn ;  batteries  disputed  our 
advance,  but  driven  off.  Skirmishing;  12  miles  to-day.  On  picket  at  night. 
Enemy  in  front. 

185 


May. 

ist.  Chancellorsville  battle  opens.  Quiet  in  morning.  At  noon  our 
regiment  advanced  and  skirmished  for  two  miles.  We  disclose  enemy  in 
force  and  fall  back  to  our  part  of  morning  battle  line.  We  entrench ;  ball 
opens;  we  occupy  right  center;  right  Is  vigorously  attacked. 

2d.  We  hold  our  position  all  night  and  to-day,  and  spend  more  time 
in  intrenching.  Battle  rages  fiercely  and  lasts  all  night.  Seigel's  Corps 
breaks  and  dashes  through  our  lines ;  the  Johnnies  follow,  but  are  held  at 
bay  with  36  pieces  of  artillery;  great  slaughter. 

3d.     We  hold  our  ground ;  fighting  more  on  our  right ;   skirmishing. 

4th.  Part  of  our  line  broken  ;  I24th  and  I25th  Pennsylvania  ordered  to 
left.  Captain  John  P.  Green,  of  General  Kane's  staff,  made  a  narrow 
escape ;  a  shell  took  the  shoulder  strap  from  his  right  shoulder  and  turned 
him  in  his  saddle;  otherwise  doing  no  harm. 

5th.  After  various  mancevring  we  are  put  to  work  rearing  more  solid 
intrenchments  in  rear  of  old  ground — enemy  in  sight.  Heavy  rain.  We 
retreat  at  night. 

6th.  At  dawn  we  recross  Rappahannock  River  at  United  States  Ford, 
and  march  in  direction  of  old  camp — 12  miles.  Wind  and  snow  squalls. 
Cold,  and  we  lost  all  our  blankets  on  first  day  of  fight. 

7th.  After  a  march  to-day  of  16  miles  we  arrive  back  in  our  old  camp 
at  Acquia  Creek. 

8th.  Recuperating.  Whiskey  ration  served  for  second  time  since  enlist 
ment. 

9th.  Our  time  is  up,  this  date,  and  we  are  preparing  for  discharge. 
While  at  Acquia  Creek  we  had  an  occasional  purchase  of  shad  and  feasted 
accordingly. 

[XoTE — On  this  latter  date  when  the  term  of  service  of  the 
1 24th  expired,  and  the  men  were  patiently  waiting  orders  to 
return  home,  a  letter  was  written  by  Jos.  Ad.  Thompson  to  the 
Delaware  County  American  and  published  therein,  May  13,  1863. 
The  following  is  a  copy  :] 

WASHINGTON,  D.  C.,  May  9,  1863. 
D.  A.  VERNON: 

Dear  Sir:  The  past  week  has  been  big  with  events.  Once  more  the 
contending  armies  have  met  in  the  shock  of  battle,  and  once  more  a 
Nation's  hopes  and  fears  hung  upon  the  forthcoming  intelligence.  You 
have  all  felt  it.  How  still  everything  was.  The  newspapers  paraded  their 
flaming  capitals,  but  gave  no  news.  Even  the  telegraph  refused  to  give  its 
news  staccato,  and  all  waited  for  a  gleam  of  intelligence.  It  was  known 
that  Hooker  had  engaged  the  enemy,  and  that  success  followed  him.  It 
was  known  that  three  days  fighting  (up  to  Sunday)  had  been  done,  and 
that  the  great  battle  was  not  yet  decided.  Then  came  the  break.  There 
was  no  news  to  be  relied  upon.  Rumor  took  the  place  of  fact,  and  from 
her  ten  thousand  tongues  told  the  most  astonishing  stories  of  alternate 

186 


victory  and  defeat,  which,  though  we  did  not  believe,  controlled  us  as  much 
as  though  they  were  official  dispatches.  At  one  time  Lee  had  surren 
dered.  At  another  Hooker  was  cut  to  pieces.  One  hour  our  men  were 
pursuing  the  Rebels  toward  their  capital,  and  on  the  next  our  flying  men 
were  drowning  in  the  Rappahannock.  Victory  and  defeat  were  in  either 
balance,  and  rumor  kept  them  nicely  poised.  Occasionally  a  courier  from 
below  would  arrive,  who  generally  knew  less  than  those  situated  at  a 
distance  from  the  scene  of  action,  around  whom  the  inquisitive  crowd 
would  gather,  and  from  whom  in  very  many  instances  they  would  receive 
stories  more  wonderful  than  that  of  the  "Wonderful  Lamp."  But  amidst 
it  all  we  were  in  good  spirits  and  the  promised  news  of  a  glorious  victory 
was  eagerly  hoped  and  looked  for.  So  things  stood  on  Tuesday  night. 

On  Wednesday  morning  we  learned  that  the  flooded  streams  were  at 
a  great  height;  that  they  had  destroyed  the  railroad  communication 
between  Acquia  Landing  and  Fredericksburg,  and  that  the  Rappahannock 
would  soon  be  impassable.  Then  for  the  first  time  we  began  to  despond, 
and  it  was  known  that  there  was  but  one  day's  rations  with  our  men,  but 
still  \\e  hoped  that  Sedgwick  would  do  as  well  as  Hooker — fight  his  way 
around  and  form  a  junction,  and  then  by  hurling  our  concentrated  forces 
upon  our  exhausted  enemy,  crush  him  ere  hunger  drove  us  from  a  field 
that  military  science  had  failed  to  do.  It  was  evident  that  this  must  be 
done  in  order  to  ensure  safety  to  our  army,  since  not  only  the  high  waters, 
but  our  wary  foe  both  threatened  our  communication  this  side  of  the 
river.  Everyone  saw  the  crisis,  and  with  the  most  painful  anxiety  a\vaited 
the  result.  [Meanwhile  the  President  and  General  Halleck  had  gone  to  the 
army,  and  this  looked  ominous.  Then  came  the  news.  Our  anticipated 
fears  had  been  realized.  Hooker  had  withdrawn  Jiis  men  across  the  river; 
Sedgwick  had  been  defeated  in  his  efforts  to  form  a  junction,  and  was 
driven  back.  The  onward  movement  had  culminated  in  a  retreat,  and  our 
bright  pictures  of  victory  were  destroyed  in  an  instant.  Such  appeared  to 
be  the  state  of  affairs  at  that  period.  The  fact  has  become  known  to  all 
our  people,  and  whilst  speculation  is  rife,  and  whilst  everyone  is  com 
menting  upon  it,  let  us  stop  and  look  at  the  facts  as  they  are,  before  we  are 
too  lavish  with  our  praise  or  our  censure. 

That  we  w7hipped  the  Rebels  there  is  no  doubt,  as  not  only  our  reports, 
but  those  of  the  enemy  show  that  they  failed  to  do  whatever  they 
attempted,  and  also  that  their  loss  is  at  least  double  our  own.  Whether 
we  obtained  what  we  desired  is  now  the  mooted  question.  The  points  to 
be  adjudged  are,  I  think,  as  follows: 

First — Did  Hooker  cross  at  the  proper  time  and  place? 

Second — Did  he  contemplate  reaching  Richmond  by  that  route? 

Third — Was  he  compelled  to  recross  the  Rappahannock  because  of  a 
superior  enemy;  or,  in  other  words,  was  he  driven  back  to  his  original 
position  ? 

Without  pretending  to  possess  any  military  knowledge,  or  without 
claiming  any  wisdom  whereby  to  criticise  the  acts  of  our  military  men, 
I  think  that  I  have,  from  the  close  attention  to  the  recent  movement,  as 
well  from  conversations  with  several  military  men  of  reputation,  some 

187 


means  of  forming  a  correct  conclusion.  Facts  are  facts,  and  where  they 
are  simple  (as  facts  generally  are)  it  does  not  necessarily  need  a  military 
education  to  comprehend  them. 

In  answer  to  the  first  point,  I  think  he  made  his  crossing  at  the  proper 
time  and  place.  That  the  places  were  proper  ones  is  evident  from  the 
fact  of  having  no  difficulty  in  getting  over  with  safety  and  celerity,  and 
that  the  time  was  also  a  good  one  is  patent  from  the  fact  that  he  evidently 
did  so  in  such  a  way  as  to  make  his  visit  almost  a  surprise.  There  were 
strong  inducements  to  go  at  that  time.  His  army  was  larger  than  it 
would  be  ten  days  hence,  as  before  that  time  elapsed  the  nine  months' 
men  would  mostly  be  out  of  service.  He  had  no  doubt  concluded  that  the 
spring  floods  were  over,  since  spring  and  sunshine  had  set  in  so  beautifully, 
and  this  was  a  matter  of  great  consideration  when  he  had  to  throw  a 
river  between  him  and  his  supplies.  I  say  he  no  doubt  thought  of  this  and 
acted  accordingly.  True,  Sedgwick  did  not  perform  the  duty  assigned  to 
him,  and  thereby  jeopardized  our  main  body,  but  every  intelligent  reader 
knows  that  the  cause  was  an  entirely  different  one.  Those  men  did  not 
have  a  General  Hooker  to  lead  them. 

As  regards  the  second  point — I  do  not  think  that  Hooker  contemplated 
reaching  Richmond  by  that  route  exclusively.  Indeed  I  feel  sure  of  this. 
On  the  contrary  I  think  he  did  not  desire  to  do  so  just  at  this  present  time, 
as  there  were  other  matters  in  connection  with  this  movement,  as  impor 
tant  as  his  own.  If  he  had,  why  did  he  refuse  to  occupy  the  elevated 
position  in  the  enemy's  rear,  when  he  could  have  done  so,  and  instead  of 
that,  flank  the  river,  thus  leaving  a  broad  belt  of  thirty  miles  through 
which  there  was  no  opportunity  for  Lee's  retreat,  provided  it  was  a 
hasty  one.  In  other  words.  Lee  had  the  opportunity  to  fall  back  towards 
Richmond  provided  he  did  not  encumber  himself,  and  left  his  heavy  artil 
lery  in  our  hands.  If  this  were  don^,  Hooker  on  one  flank  and  Sedgwick 
on  the  other,  could  concentrate  and  fall  upon  his  rear.  For  this  event 
Stoneman  had  been  sent,  and  having  broken  the  railroad  communication, 
destroyed  the  bridges  and  telegraph,  and  penetrated  with  his  men  almost 
the  city  of  Richmond,  that  retreat  would  be  very  slow,  and,  as  events  will 
prove  it  would  eventually  cause  the  Rebels  to  be  attacked  both  front  and 
rear,  and  at  the  same  time  cut  off  all  supplies  and  reinforcements.  Had 
Hooker  thrown  himself  between  them  and  their  capital,  it  would  have 
placed  us  in  that  position  instead  of  the  enemy.  I  say,  therefore,  that  such 
a  move  was  not  intended. 

That  lie  was  compelled  to  recross  to  this  side  of  the  river  I  do  not 
believe,  partly  because  of  reasons  just  given,  as  well  as  others,  some  of 
which  I  will  state.  Had  he  intended  to  reach  Richmond  by  that  route,  is 
it  not  likely  he  would  have  had  transportation  and  every  facility  for  sup 
plying  his  men?  But  he  had  none.  Had  he  intended  to  push  the  enemy  to 
a  retreat,  was  he  not  in  a  better  condition  to  do  so  after  Sunday's  battle 
than  before,  both  because  of  position,  as  wrell  as  of  his  victory?  Had  that 
been  his  object,  would  he  not  have  concentrated  his  fresh  troops,  of  which 
he  had  30,000,  and  made  the  dash  on  Sunday  afternoon,  when  he  pushed 
the  enemy  with  a  moiety  of  his  army?  I  think  so.  It  is  evident  then 

188 


that  the  enemy  did  not  push  him  to  the  river,  because  if  they  had  his  re- 
crossing  \votild  have  not  been  unmolested.  Neither  do  1  believe  that  it 
was  because  of  the  rise  of  the  river,  for  it  would  have  been  much  less 
trouble  to  have  taken  provisions  and  ammunition  over  to  the  army  than 
to  bring  the  army  over  after  them.  Recent  developments  sustain  this 
view,  and  others  which  may  be  known  ere  this  is  in  print  will  make  it 
more  clear.  My  impression  is  this  :  that  Hooker's  withdrawal  to  this  side 
of  the  river  was  not  because  he  was  compelled  to  do  so,  either  because  of 
the  enemy  or  high  water,  but  to  accomplish  an  object,  which  was  a 
part  of  his  original  plan,  and  that  we  shall  soon  see  upon  this  very  move 
ment  depended  cur  success  in  destroying  Lee's  army  and  capturing  Rich 
mond.  Stoneman  had  been  sent  in  that  direction,  and  we  had  just  heard 
of  the  great  work  he  had  performed,  and  the  information  he  had  gained 
that  Richmond  was  almost  destitute  of  troops.  He  had  joined  Dix,  and 
apprised  our  forces  in  that  vicinity.  He  had  opened  the  desired  communi 
cation.  The  propitious  moment  had  arrived.  Longstreet  was  with  Lee, 
and  the  door  wras  open  to  the  Rebel  capital  for  our  forces  below.  What 
was  to  be  done?  Why  Lee  must  be  kept  busy  and  our  men  rested.  They 
must  not  go  towards  Richmond.  Accordingly  Hooker  apparently  retreats — 
the  enemy  presses  nearer  to  him — he  crosses  the  stream- — and  they  are 
employed  for  three  days  in  the  solemn  work  after  battle  of  caring  for  the 
wounded  and  burying  the  dead.  All  this  is  precious  time  for  us,  and  the 
people  soon  will  see  how  we  used  it.  Again  Hooker  throws  men  across 
and  threatens  another  battle,  thus  holding  the  Rebels  where  they  are.  If 
they  retreat  Stoneman  has  impeded  their  progress  and  Hooker  is  on 
their  rear.  If  they  remain,  Richmond  falls.  More  than  this,  if  Lee 
retreats,  our  army  from  below  can  threaten  him  on  his  front,  at  the  same 
time  that  Hooker  pursues,  and  we  obtain  the  double  prize  ;  the  capital  and 
the  enemy's  army.  Perhaps  you  may  think  this  a  wild  theory,  but  let  us 
wait  and  see.  For  my  part  I  believe  it  all.  Victorious  armies  do  not 
retreat  but  for  a  purpose.  I  have  dwelt  so  long  on  this  matter  that  I  have 
room  for  but  little  else.  I  presume  ere  long  the  I24th  Regiment  will  be 
home  and  disbanded.  The  boys  did  well  in  the  recent  engagement,  and 
deserve,  as  they  will  no  doubt  receive,  a  glorious  welcome.  The  casualties 
in  the  regiment  were  light,  and  those  wounded  not  seriously  so.  I  found 
William  T.  Innes  and  Philip  Johnson  in  the  Judiciary  Hospital,  wounded 
in  the  arm  slightly.  They  bear  their  scars  like  soldiers  which  they  are, 
every  inch  of  them.  Major  Haldeman's  wound  was  also  very  slight. 

They  all  agree  that  "Fighting  Joe"  deserves  that  cognomen.  The  regi 
ment  is  now  at  Acquia  Creek.  Yesterday  Mr.  Thomas  J.  Haldeman  and 
John  C.  Realty  went  down  to  see  them.  When  the  boys  come  home,  in  the 
words  of  Co\vper  in  the  John  Gilpin  tale,  "may  I  be  there  to  see." 

"STEEr.E  PENNE." 
DIARY  RESUMED. 
May. 

loth.  Division  review  by  Generals  Slocum  and  Geary.  The  men  of  regi 
ment  highly  complimented  for  good  conduct  while  on  the  march  and  in 
the  fit-Id." 

189 


nth.     Proceeded    up    the    Potomac   by   boat   to    Washington,   and    from 
thence  by  usual  freight  cars  to  Harrisburg,  Pa.,  for  muster  out. 
I2th.     Arrived  at  Harrisburg,  Pa.,  and  marched  to  Camp  Curtin. 
1 3th.     Waiting  for  discharge. 

[XoTE  BY  HISTORIAN — \Yhile  the  members  of  the  regiment 
were  awaiting  discharge,  their  friends  at  home  were  arranging  to 
give  them  a  soldier's  welcome.  The  following  extract  is  copied 
from  the  Delaware  County  American  of  May  I3th,  1862:] 

At  a  meeting  of  the  friends  of  the  I24th  Regiment,  P.  V.,  on  last 
Thursday  evening,  Hon.  John  M.  Broomall  was  called  to  the  chair,  and 
after  an  interchange  of  sentiment,  [Messrs.  F.  M.  Brooke,  D.  R.  Hawkins, 
D.  A.  Verncn,  John  M.  Hall,  C.  R.  Williamson,  Peter  Worrell  and  John  C. 
Beatty  were  appointed  a  committee  to  arrange  and  conduct  an  appropriate 
reception  for  our  returned  volunteers. 

DIARY   RESUMED. 

I4tb.  i5th,  i6th.     [Making  up  papers. 

ijth.     [Mustered  out. 

i8th.     Home,  at  Schuylkill  Haven,   Pa. 

Re-enlisted  in  Twenty-ninth  Pennsylvania  Volunteer  Militia,  June, 
1863;  served  as  Orderly  Sergeant  Co.  I,  in  Gettysburg  Emergency 
campaign. 

April  28th,  1864 '-  appeared  before  General  Silas  Casey's  Examining 
Board  at  Washington,  D.  C.,  passed  Second  Lieutenant,  and  on  August 
9th,  1864.  was  assigned  to  Twenty-ninth  U.  S.  C.  T.,  but  did  not  get  into 
active  service. 


100 


THE  PROCLAMATION  of 
Andrew  G.  Curtin,  under 
which  the  second  enlist 
ment  was  made,  was  issued 
a  few  days  prior  to  the  liat- 
tle  of  Gettysburg,  and  is 
as  follows : 

The  enemy  is  advancing  in 
force  into  Pennsylvania.  He 
has  a  strong  column  within 
23  miles  of  Harrisburg,  and 
other  columns  are  moving  by 
Fulton  and  Adams  counties, 
and  it  can  no  longer  be 
doubted  that  a  formidable 
invasion  of  our  State  is  in 
actual  progress. 

The  calls  already  made  for 
volunteer  militia  for  the  emer 
gency,  have  not  been  met  as 
fully  as  the  crisis  requires. 

I,  therefore,  now  issue  this, 
my  proclamation  calling  for 
60,000  men  to  come  promptly 
forward  to  defend  the  State. 

They  will  be  mustered  into  the  service  of  the  State  for  the  period  of  ninety 
days,  but  will  be  required  only  to  serve  out  so  much  of  the  period  of 
muster  as  the  safety  of  our  people  and  honor  of  our  State  may  require. 
They  will  be  rendezvoused  at  points  to  be  designated  in  general  order  to 
be  issued  this  day  by  the  Adjutant-General  of  Pennsylvania,  which  order 
will  also  set  forth  the  details  of  the  arrangements  for  the  organization, 
clothing,  residence,  equipment,  and  supplies. 

I  will  not  insult  you  by  inflammatory  appeals.  A  people  who  want  the 
heart  to  defend  their  soil,  their  families  and  firesides,  are  not  worthy  to 
be  accounted  men.  Heed  not  the  councils  of  evil  disposed  persons,  if 
such  there  be  in  your  midst.  Show  yourselves  what  you  are — a  free,  loyal, 
spirited,  brave,  vigorous  race.  Do  not  undergo  the  disgrace  of  leaving 
your  defense  mainly  to  the  citizens  of  other  States. 

In  defending  the  soil  of  Pennsylvania  we  are  contributing  to  the  support 
of  our  National  Government  and  vindicating  our  fidelity  to  the  National 
cause.  Pennsylvania  has  always  heretofore  responded  promptly  to  all  the 
calls  made  by  the  Federal  Government,  and  I  appeal  to  you  now  not  to 
be  unmindful  that  the  foe  that  strikes  at  our  State,  strikes,  through  our 
desolation,  at  the  life  of  the  Republic. 

Our  people  are  plundered  and  driven  from  their  homes  solely  because 
of  their  loyalty  and  fidelity  to  our  free  institutions. 

191 


ANDREW   G.    CURTIN. 


People  of  Pennsylvania,  1  owe  to  yon  all  my  faculties,  my  labors,  my 
life.  Yon  owe  to  your  country  your  zealous  services  and  efforts.  The 
time  has  now  come  when  we  must  all  stand  or  fall  together  in  the  defense 
of  our  State  and  in  the  support  of  our  Government.  Let  us  so  discharge 
our  duty  that  posterity  shall  not  blush  for  us. 

Come  heartily  and  cheerfully  to  the  rescue  of  our  noble  Commonwealth. 
Maintain  your  honor  and  freedom. 

Given  under  my  hand  and  the  great  seal  of  the  State  at  Harrisburg, 
this,  the  26th  day  of  June,  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  eight  hundred 
and  sixty-three,  and  of  the  Commonwealth  the  eighty-seventh. 

A.  G.  CURTIN. 
By  the  Governor, 
Eu  SUPER, 

Secretary  of  the  Commonwealth. 

The  following,  copied  from  the  Delaware  County  American,  of 
July  ist,  1863,  refers  to  the  re-enlistment  of  the  I24th  :— 

THE  NEWS — GREAT  EXCITEMENT. — The  excitement  again  runs  high. 
This  time  it  is  not  from  our  armies  advancing  on  the  enemy,  but  from 
theirs  threatening  the  State  of  Pennsylvania,  which  they  have  already 
invaded,  and  marching  in  triumph  northward.  The  proclamations  of  the 
President  and  Governor  Curtin,  urgently  calling  for  the  people  to  rise  up 
and  defend  their  homes,  and  drive  back  the  foe,  warn  us  of  the  imminent 
danger  of  the  moment.  Let  every  man  gird  himself  for  the  contest.  Let 
every  patriot  shoulder  his  gun  and  buckle  on  his  sword.  Let  the  minions 
of  slavery  be  "welcomed  with  bloody  hands  to  hospitable  graves."  The 
forward  movements  of  the  enemy  were  commenced  on  Sunday,  on  which 
day  they  first  attacked  some  of  our  detached  forces  near  Winchester,  to 
which  place  they  fell  back,  and  where,  after  a  bloody  contest,  after  having 
become  partially  surrounded  by  the  superior  numbers  of  the  enemy,  they 
succeeded  in  cutting  their  way  through,  and  joining  the  garrison  at 
Harper's  Ferry.  Whatever  is  done  by  our  people  will  have  to  be  done 
promptly.  Already  the  tocsin  of  war  is  sounded,  and  tens  of  thousands 
are  rushing  to  grapple  at  the  throats  of  the  enemy.  Delaware  County  is 
alive  to  the  crisis,  and  is  moving  as  a  single  man  to  strike  down  the 
invaders  of  the  soil  of  our  State.  The  I24th  Regiment  will  reorganize  at 
once.  A  meeting  of  the  Delaware  County  members  will  take  place  at  the 
court  house  to-day.  Others  are  invited  to  join  them.  Colonel  Wiicrx 
has  also  promptly  called  a  meeting  of  the  commissioned  officers  of  the 
1 6th  Pennsylvania  Militia.  They  will  meet  at  the  court  house  on  Thurs 
day  (to-morrow).  A  full  regiment,  beside  the  i24th,  will  doubtless  go 
from  this  county. 

General  Hooker  is  on  the  move.  He  is  in  the  best  of  spirits,  and  is  con 
fident  of  crushing  Lee's  Army. 

The  latest  intelligence  from  Vicksburg  is  that  the  lines  of  General  Grant 
were  daily  contracting  around  the  enemy. 

192 


The  headquarters  of  Major-General  Couch  are  for  the  present  at  the 
State  Capitol  Building,  in  Harrisburg.  All  interested  in  the  organization 
of  troops  under  the  late  call  should  report  to  him. 

The  reported  death  of  General  Sherman,  from  wounds  received  in  the 
desperate  assault  upon  Port  Hudson,  has  been  contradicted. 

We  notice,  by  a  Washington  despatch,  that  it  has  been  determined  that 
while  all  persons  coming  within  the  provisions  of  the  act  of  enrollment, 
in  calling  out  the  National  forces,  are  to  be  enrolled,  nevertheless,  under 
the  first  enrollment,  those  who  were  in  the  military  service  at  the  time  the 
act  went  into  effect,  namely,  the  3d  of  March,  last,  are  not  to  be  included 
in  that  class  which  is  subject  to  the  first  draft.  Those  of  the  second  class 
are  not  to  be  called  out  until  those  of  the  first  class  shall  have  been 
exhausted. 

[NoTE: — Joseph  Ad.  Thompson  (who  had  been  correspondent 
for  the  1 24th  while  in  service)  remained  in  Washington,  and 
shortly  after  the  regiment  was  mustered  out  he  wrote  the  follow 
ing  letter  to  the  Delaware  County  American,  which  was  published 
in  that  paper  June  3,  1863  :]  k 

WASHINGTON,  D.  C.,  June  i,  1863. 
D.  A.  VERNON. 

DEAR  SIR — The  war  news  for  the  past  week  has  been  very  exciting, 
indeed.  The  indomitable  Grant  has  been  operating,  in  conjunction  with 
Commodore  Porter,  against  Vicksburg,  with  what  success  your  readers 
have  been  already  informed.  The  place  is  one  of  great  importance  both 
to  the  Rebels  and  ourselves,  and  the  furious  fighting  there  shows  how 
anxious  each  is  to  become  possessor  of  the  place.  With  it  in  Rebel  hands, 
the  navigation  of  the  Mississippi  is  retarded,  and  the  great  Northwest  is 
prevented  from  communication  with  the  ocean.  With  it  in  our  hands, 
that  noble  river  becomes  an  open  highway,  and  the  Rebel  States  are  com 
pletely  disjointed.  Texas,  Louisiana,  and  Arkansas  become  separated 
from  the  rest  of  the  belligerent  States,  and  must  then  soon  return  to  the 
Union.  'Tis  no  wonder,  then,  that  there  should  be  a  desperate  fight  for 
the  place.  So  far,  the  attack  has  been  eminently  successful,  as  the  great 
number  of  prisoners  and  artillery  captured  attest,  and  we  have  only  to 
wait  for  a  short  time  for  the  glorious  news  that  the  place  is  captured,  and 
the  foe  prisoners  of  war. 

Although  we  have  suffered  reverses,  and  had  whole  armies  wasted 
through  the  "masterly  inactivity"  of  our  generals,  although  more  than 
t\vo  years  have  elapsed  since  this  rebellion  burst  upon  us,  and  is  as  yet 
unconquered,  although  during  that  period  we  have  spent  hundreds  of 
millions  of  money,  and  lost  tens  of  thousands  of  noble  men,  yet,  if  we 
carefully  and  dispassionately  review  that  period,  and  properly  estimate 
our  labor  and  its  results,  we  shall  find  every  inducement  to  hope  for  the 
future,  and  every  reason  to  be  content  with  the  present.  The  results  of 
battle  are  not  immediate,  not  really  understood,  and  it  very  often  happens 
that  a  seeming  defeat  bears  the  fruit  of  a  great  victory.  It  is  wrong  to 

13  193 


estimate  the  result  by  counting  the  slain  and  the  prisoners,  or  by  obtaining 
possession  of  the  battlefield.  We  should  look  at  the  combination  of  results 
that  follow,  and  form  our  opinion  upon  those.  One  fact  alone  we  do  not 
properly  appreciate.  We  are  fighting  the  battles  in  the  enemy's  country. 
While  throughout  the  North  agricultural,  mercantile,  and  manufacturing 
pursuits  still  go  on  as  prosperous  as  ever,  while  the  sickle  and  the  loom 
still  gather  and  prepare  for  us  almost  unbounded  comfort,  while  our  homes 
are  secure  from  the  pillage  of  war,  and  we  provide  not  only  for  our  own 
comfort,  but  also  for  others,  let  us  turn  the  picture,  and  look  at  the  condi 
tion  of  the  rebel  South.  Take  Virginia  for  an  instance.  Look  at  that 
grand  harlot  of  the  States,  made  by  nature  as  rich  and  as  great  as  any 
of  her  sisters.  Behold  there  the  desolation  wrought  by  the  contending 
armies — her  fertile  fields  blasted,  her  noble  waters,  that  once  bore  away 
her  surplus  stores,  now  a  chain  to  bind  them  fast  from  the  world,  her 
industries  paralyzed,  her  commerce  destroyed,  and  her  citizens,  in  many 
cases,  fugitives  from  their  homes.  How  many  who  were  wealthy  are  now 
poor?  How  many  who  were  happy  are  now  miserable?  And  how  many 
who,  in  the  mad  hour  of  their  frenzy,  struck  at  our  Flag,  now  await  its 
coming  again  with  as  much  anxiety  as  the  condemned  felon  awaits  the 
promised  pardon  that  shall  strike  off  his  fetters  and  unlock  his  prison  door. 
How  many  mothers  have  taken  in  their  arms  their  little  ones  and  fled  to 
the  cave  or  the  forest,  where,  careworn,  hungry  and  despairing,  they  have 
awaited  for  a  propitious  moment  when  they  could  flee  to  our  lines.  And 
to-day,  after  two  years  of  war,  we  behold  the  North,  as  peaceful,  as 
flourishing,  and  with  better  credit  than  ever  before,  while  the  South  is 
barren  and  blood-stained,  without  sufficient  resources  and  without  credit. 
So  I  say  that  when  we  look  upon  both  pictures,  we  have  little  cause  for 
regrets,  and  many  for  gratitude.  We  are  doing  the  great  work  of  crushing 
out  this  damnable  rebellion,  slowly,  perhaps,  in  the  estimation  of  some, 
but  well,  and  we  can  already  see  the  "beginning  of  the  end."  We  are  the 
only  nation  that  could  do  such  a  gigantic  work,  and  when  we  shall  have 
accomplished  it,  we  shall  be  greater  than  before.  The  nations  of  the  earth 
have  already  become  acquainted  with  our  greatness  and  our  power,  and 
when  we  come  out  of  this  war,  it  will  not  be  with  ruined  credit,  embar 
rassed  finances,  or  injured  National  reputation,  but  we  shall  be  the  first 
amongst  the  great  nations  of  the  earth.  We  no  longer  tremble  for  fear 
of  foreign  influence,  of  which  we  had  such  fears  some  time  since,  for  in 
this  great  struggle  we  have  become  acquainted  with  ourselves,  and  know 
our  own  great  power. 

It  has  seldom,  or  never,  happened  that  a  nation  has  been  at  war  for  a 
period  of  two  years  without  a  foreign  power  interfering,  and  the  reason 
why  this  has  been  an  exception  is  not  because  other  governments  love 
us,  but  because  they  fear  our  gigantic  power.  I  give  them  no  credit  for 
their  forbearance,  for  they  have  done  secretly  what  they  dared  not  do 
openly.  Great  as  we  have  been  in  feeding  the  nations  and  abundantly  as 
we  have  supplied  distant  climes  with  the  necessities  of  life,  we  are  yet 
greater  when  we  rise  to  protect  the  institutions  under  which  we  have 
prospered. 

194 


You  may  realize  the  fact  that  the  City  of  Washington  has  undergone  a 
change  in  public  sentiment  since  the  commencement  of  the  war  when  1 
tell  you  that  Mrs.  Harriett  Beecher  Stowe's  "Uncle  Tom's  Cabin,"  drama 
tized,  has  been,  and  is  still  being,  performed  in  one  of  our  theatres,  and 
to  overflowing  houses.  When  we  consider  that  it  is  about  a  year  since 
slavery  was  abolished  here,  and  that  for  years  a  petition  could  not  be  read 
in  Congress  asking  for  it,  and  that  now  in  the  same  city  this  piece,  showing 
the  immorality  and  inhumanity  of  slavery,  is  creating  a  sensation,  it  is,  to 
say  the  least,  ''passing  strange."  When  I  first  came  here  and  beheld  my 
surroundings,  I  did  not  dare  to  think  that  in  so  short  a  time  men  and 
women  would  gather  in  a  public  house  to  kindle  with  indignation  at  the 
story  of  George  Harris,  to  laugh  at  the  eccentricities  of  Topsy,  and  to 
weep  over  the  beautiful,  precocious  Eva  and  pious  Uncle  Tom.  As  the 
honest  Dutchman  said,  "So  much  longer  a  man  lives,  so  much  more  he 
finds  out." 

Many  of  our  wounded  are  being  sent  to  their  respective  States  now,  and 
it  is  cheering  to  see  how  joyful  they  are,  although  crippled,  to  get  back 
to  their  homes.  Yet  there  are  hundreds  who  must  remain  for  a  long  time 
yet  ere  they  can  hear  that  joyous  order. 

Considerable  anxiety  has  been  felt  of  late  for  the  safety  of  the  city,  as 
since  Hooker's  Army  has  been  reduced  by  the  expiration  of  service  of  so 
many  regiments,  it  was  feared  that  Lee  would  take  advantage  of  his 
weakness  and  put  himself  on  the  offensive.  I  do  not  think  that  there  is 
any  danger  of  this,  as  I  have  good  reason  to  know  that  our  army  is  quite 
as  large  in  that  locality  as  it  was  prior  to  the  return  of  the  nine  months' 
men. 

I  am  glad  to  observe  that  in  all  parts  of  the  State  the  people  are  begin 
ning  to  see  that  we  must  renominate  Governor  Curtin,  and  that  upon  his 
renomination  in  a  great  measure  depends  our  chance  of  success.  Keep 
the  ball  rolling;  hold  up  the  hands  of  that  great  patriot,  and  give  him 
the  guidance  of  the  Ship  of  State  for  another  term.  Because  he  does  not 
solicit  it  is  no  reason  why  he  should  not  have  it,  but,  on  the  contrary,  it 
shows  that  his  modesty  is  only  exceeded  by  his  efficiency.  The  idea  of 
sending  such  a  man  abroad  is  wrong.  In  these  times  we  need  them  at 
home. 

Yours  truly, 

STEELE  PENNE. 


195 


i862. 


JOSEPH  WILLIAMSON  HAWLEY. 

.          Son    of    Joel    and    Catherine    B. 

(Williamson)  Hawley,  was  born  at 
Lionville,  Chester  County,  July  14, 
1836. 

His  early  life  was  passed  at  school 
and  in  the  country  store  owned  by 
his  father.  From  1857  to  J86o  was 
instructor  in  West  Chester  Academy. 
In  1860,  he  received  appointment  as 
paying  teller  in  National  Bank  of 
Chester  County,  and  remained  there 
until  the  call  for  troops  was  made  by 
President  Lincoln  in  summer  of 
1862;  when  he  obtained  permission 
from  the  Board  of  Directors  to  re 
cruit  a  company  of  soldiers.  In  ten  days  he  had  enlisted  100 
men.  They  met  at  Downingtown  and  organized  by  electing  Mr. 
Hawley  as  captain.  The  company  proceeded  to  Camp  Curtin  at 
Harrisburg,  and  Captain  Hawley  received  his  commission  August 
12,  1862,  from  Governor  Andrew  G.  Curtin. 

While  there,  six  other  companies  from  Chester  County  and 
three  from  Delaware  County  arrived  and  the  ten  were  combined 
and  formed  the  I24th  Regiment  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  to  serve 
for  nine  months.  The  regiment  under  command  of  Captain  Haw 
ley  was  transported  to  Washington,  and  on  i6th  of  August,  he 
received  from  Governor  Curtin,  a  commission  as  colonel. 

On  September  I7th  he  led  the  regiment  into  the  Battle  of 
Antietam,  where  by  9  o'clock  in  the  morning,  it  was  under  a  heavy 
fire  in  what  is  now  spoken  of  as  the  "Bloody  Cornfield ;"  the 
regiment  lost  many  killed  and  wounded ;  among  the  latter  was 
Colonel  Hawley,  who  received  a  bullet  in  the  neck.  He  was  car 
ried  from  the  field  and  finally  removed  to  his  home  in  Lionville. 
Upon  recovery,  he  rejoined  the  regiment  at  Harper's  Ferry,  De 
cember  3d,  and  continued  with  it  (except  for  a  short  interval 
while  in  hospital)  until  the  expiration  of  term  of  service  May 
17,  1863. 

Returning  to  his  duties  with  the  Bank  of  Chester  County  he 
remained  but  one  day  when  Governor  Curtin  telegraphed  him 
to  get  the  members  of  the  I24th  together  and  proceed  to  Harris- 

196 


1906. 


THE 

UNIVERSITY 


Colonel  Joseph  W .  Hawlcy. 

burg  to  assist  in  repelling  an  invasion  which  General  Lee  was 
projecting  northward.  Colonel  Hawley  sent  couriers  to  summon 
the  members  of  his  old  regiment,  and  a  majority  of  them  responded 
so  promptly  that,  together  with  new  recruits,  one  thousand  were 
enrolled  in  one  day  in  Chester  and  Delaware  Counties  and  for 
warded  to  Harrisburg  the  same  evening.  These  were  organized 
as  the  Twenty-ninth  Emergency  Regiment  and  on  June  iQth, 
Colonel  Hawley  was  again  commissioned  colonel.  He  was  as 
signed  to  the  command  of  a  brigade  consisting  of  his  own  and 
two  New  York  regiments,  and  to  him  General  Couch  committed 
the  protection  of  the  bridges  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad,  which 
were  threatened  with  destruction. 

Upon  retreat  of  the  defeated  Confederate  forces  from  Gettys 
burg,  Colonel  Hawley  was  ordered  to  follow  and  harass  the  rear 
of  Lee's  Army,  and  he  moved  with  such  celerity  that  he  reached 
the  Potomac  the  day  prior  to  Lee's  crossing  and  his  troops  engaged 
with  them  in  a  skirmish  at  Clear  Spring.  The  emergency  having 
passed,  he  returned  home  and  resumed  the  duties  of  his  old 
position  in  the  bank  and  remained  there  until  January  i,  1864, 
when  he  accepted  a  similar  position  with  the  First  National  Bank 
of  West  Chester,  then  just  organized. 

On  February  ist,  he  was  invited  to  assist  in  the  organization  of 
the  First  National  Bank  of  Media,  and  on  March  21,  1864,  the 
bank  was  opened  with  Colonel  Hawley  as  cashier,  which  position 
he  held  until  the  death  of  its  president  in  1894,  when  he  was 
elected  to  fill  that  vacancy.  This  position  he  held  until  his  resig 
nation  was  accepted  in  December,  1906. 

In  addition  to  the  office  of  bank  president,  he  served  as  director 
in  various  other  institutions.  One  of  his  favorite  fields  of  use 
fulness  is  the  "Glen  Mills  Reform  School"  in  Delaware  County. 
In  this  institution  he  has  for  many  years  been  an  active  director  in 
its  management  and  one  of  its  most  liberal  and  zealous  patrons. 

He  is  a  member  of  the  Pennsylvania  Commandery  of  the  Loyal 
Legion,  a  past  commander  of  Bradbury  Post  G.  A.  R.  of  Media, 
and  a  member  of  the  Union  League  of  Philadelphia. 

From  the  time  of  the  organization  of  the  Regimental  Asso 
ciation  of  the  1 24th,  he  has  been  its  honored  president  and  has 
attended  each  annual  reunion  except  that  of  1906. 

199 


REMINISCENCE  OF  COL.  JOS.  W.  HAWLEY. 

MEDIA,  PA.,  April  i,  1907. 
Mr.  Robert  M.   Green : 

My  Dear  Comrade:  You  ask  me  if  1  have  any  data  eoncerning  the 
Twenty-ninth  Pennsylvania  Emergency  Regiment,  which  was  composed 
largely  of  the  members  of  the  I2_|th  Regiment,  whose  terms  of  service  had 
expired. 

I  am  unable  to  locate  the  regimental  books  of  the  Twenty-ninth,  as  the 
adjutant  is  deceased,  but  1  will  give  you  from  memory  a  short  sketch. 

Soon  after  returning  home  from  service  with  the  1241  h  1  resumed 
duties  in  the* Bank  ot  Chester  County  in  West  Chester,  where  J  had  been 
employed  for  several  years — this  was  en  a  Monday  morning,  and  on  the 
next  day  between  the  hours  of  9  and  10  A.  M.  Mr.  William  Darlington,  a 
director  of  the  bank,  came  to  my  desk  and  said  to  me,  "You  go  over  to 
the  court  house;  you  can  do  more  good  there  than  here,  and  1  will  occupy 
your  place."  General  Lee  was  then  on  his  way  north  for  the  second  time, 
and  the  excitement  was  intense.  1  went  to  the  meeting,  and  a  telegram 
from  Governor  Curtin  was  handed  me,  requesting  that  I  get  together  as 
many  of  the  I24th  as  could  be  reached  and  proceed  with  them  at  the  earliest 
possible  moment  to  Harrisburg.  By  telegraphing  and  sending  couriers 
through  Chester  and  Delaware  Counties,  a  sufficient  number  of  the  I24th 
were  secured  to  form  the  nucleus  of  a  regiment,  and  these  were  so  rap 
idly  joined  by  new  recruits  that  almost  a  full  regiment  was  secured,  and 
at  2.30  of  the  same  afternoon  we  started  on  a  special  train  for  Harrisburg, 
arriving  there  in  time  to  go  into  camp  at  Camp  Curtin  that  night.  The 
day  following  Major  Haldeman  came  to  Harrisburg  with  another  regiment 
from  Delaware  County.  The  proposition  as  understood  by  the  recruits 
was  that  the  term  of  service  would  be  for  the  "Emergency,"  but  that  term 
was  so  uncertain  as  to  duration  that  much  objection  to  enlisting  was 
manifested,  the  men  claiming  that  it  might  last  until  the  war  was  over. 
Several  days  elapsed,  the  Governor  coming  to  camp  and  using  every  argu 
ment  in  his  power  to  have  the  enlistment  made,  but  without  success.  Find 
ing  that  the  I24th  members  were  becoming  tired  of  waiting  1  went  to  the 
Governor  and  stated  that  1  had  about  500  of  those  who  had  served  in  the 
I24th  Regiment  who  were  willing  to  enlist  for  the  emergency  as  they 
understood  it,  and  if  we  could  be  of  any  use  to  him  we  would  be  ready  to 
march  at  4  o'clock  that  afternoon.  His  answer  was,  "For  God's  sake  get 
those  men  out  of  camp,"  and  he  issued  the  order  and  I  returned  to  camp, 
reported  the  result  of  my  visit,  and  there  was  much  confusion  among 
those  who  were  in  camp,  not  of  the  I24th;  many  of  those  who  had  expected 
to  be  officers,  accepted  positions  of  lower  rank  or  joined  as  privates,  so  that 
when  the  time  came  to  take  the  train  we  had  a  full  regiment,  and  were 
sent  to  Mount  Union  to  be  scattered  along  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  to 
prevent  the  destruction  of  the  high  bridges  by  the  raiding  Rebel  cavalry. 

A  day  or  two  afterward  General  Couch  sent  me  the  74th  and  the  I23d 
Regiments  of  New  York  Militia,  he  no  doubt  realizing  the  necessity  of 
holding  the  positions  to  which  we  had  been  assigned.  We  remained  there 
until  the  last  day  of  the  battle  of  Gettysburg.  When  General  Lee  started 
on  his  retreat  I  was  ordered  to  leave  sufficient  force  at  Mt.  Union  to  pro 
tect  that  high  bridge  against  any  roving  band  of  cavalry  and  to  take  the 
rest  of  my  force  and  start  after  General  Lee  and  harrass  the  rear  of  his 
army.  We  overtook  his  rear  guard  at  Clear  Spring,  and  they  formed  in 
line,  for  the  purpose,  as  we  supposed,  of  making  an  attack  on  us,  but  they 

200 


Reminiscence  of  Col.  Jos.  IT.  Hawlcy. 

evidently  thought   we   \vere   an   advance   party   of   some   larger   force,   and 
they  mounted  their  horses  and  withdrew. 

On  our  arrival  at  Burnt  Cabins  the  only  information  we  could  obtain 
was  that  we  were  surrounded  by  General  Imboden's  Cavalry,  and  would 
most  likely  be  gathered  up  before  morning.  A  very  funny  thing  happened 
during  the  night.  All  of  our  men  had  the  same  information  that  the 
officers  had,  and  probably  the  same  fears.  I  took  the  precaution  to  protect 
our  camp  for  the  night  by  ordering  two  picket  lines,  one  to  be  one-half  mile 
and  the  other  one  mile  outside;  these  were  in  addition  to  three  reliefs  of 
two  men  each  for  guard  duty  at  the  camp.  When  the  first  relief  on  camp 
guard  had  served  their  allotted  time,  instead  of  returning  to  their  quarters, 
laid  down  near  where  they  had  been  stationed,  the  two  who  relieved  them 
knew  they  were  there,  but  when  the  third  relief  went  on  duty,  they  were 
not  aware  that  the  first  relief  was  so  near  them,  and  when  one  of  them 
turned  over  in  his  sleep,  the  one  on  duty  thought  it  was  one  of  the  enemy, 
and  he  ran  hastily  to  where  1  was  sleeping  and  told  me  that  the  Rebels  were 
crawling  in  on  us.  I  asi<ed  him  whether  there  had  been  a  shot  fired  by 
the  outer  pickets,  and  he  said  there  mid  not  been,  then  1  told  him  there 
was  not  a  Rebel  within  a  mile  of  him,  and  I  sent  the  officer  of  the  guard  to 
ascertain  what  had  .->o  badly  scared  him.  Fortunately  we  were  not  dis 
turbed,  and  the  following  day  continued  our  journey,  reaching  the  Potomac 
the  day  before  General  Lee  crossed  and  at  a  point  but  a  few  miles  from  his 
main  army.  Had  his  men  known  how  few  we  were  it  is  likely  that  we 
would  have  had  a  free  passage  to  Richmond.  Shortly  after  that  we  re 
turned  to  London,  and  while  there  Colonel  Mulligan  passed  by  with  an  army 
corps,  and  seeing  our  small  force  there  alone,  he  asked  who  was  the  com 
manding  officer,  and  when  informed,  it  is  reported  he  said  that  the  com 
manding  officer  either  was  a  d — n  fool  or  had  more  courage  than  he  had, 
for  he  had  been  lying  back  at  Hancock  with  a  whole  army  corps  and  did 
not  consider  it  safe  to  venture  over  the  mountain.  The  emergency  for  which 
we  had  enlisted  having  passed,  we  were  ordered  back  to  Harrisburg  and 
discharged  August  ist. 

I   remain  yours  fraternally, 

Jos.  W.  HAWI.KY. 


REMINISCENCE  FROM  THE  "MEDIA  AMERICAN." 

The  following  article  by  the  editor  of  the  Media  American,  relates  to 
the  Twenty-ninth  Regiment,  Pennsylvania  Volunteer  Militia,  during  the 
Gettysburg  campaign  of  1863.  This  regiment  was  largely  composed  of 
the  former  members  of  the  I24th  : 

From  a  long  and  wearisome  march,  greatly  fatigued  and  foot-sore,  we 
have  arrived  at  home,  barely  in  time  to  give  a  few  wrords  of  the  wdiere- 
abouts  of  Colonel  Haw-ley's  command,  and  of  what  it  has  been  doing 
since  leaving  London,  on  the  8th  inst.,  from  which  point,  as  also  from 
Mount  Union,  letters  will  be  found  in  the  American.  From  London  we 
proceeded  via  Mercersburg,  lately  occupied  by  the  Rebels,  where  we  en 
camped  for  a  single  night,  within  three  miles  of  a  village  in  Maryland,  on 
the  Williamsport  pike,  called  "Clear  Spring."  At  this  place  we  halted 
for  a  day  for  further  orders,  as  it  was  ascertained  that  the  enemy  was  but 
a  short  distance  ahead  in  considerable  force,  and,  wre  having  but  some  7°° 
men  in  ail,  it  was  necessary  to  move  with  caution.  We  continued  our 
advance  on  Friday  afternoon,  but  "had  not  made  over  a  mile  when  word 

201 


Reminiscence  from  the  "Media  American.'' 

reached  us  that  a  heavy  force  of  Rebel  cavalry  was  rapidly  approaching  to 
attack  us,  and  that  our  danger  was  imminent.  The  men  were  ordered  to 
load  their  guns,  when  our  forces  were  divided  and  deployed  to  the  right 
and  left  along  roads,  around  the  base  of  a  small  mountain,  until  the  most 
advantageous  position  had  been  gained,  when  after  throwing  out  pickets, 
we  waited  for  the  appearance  of  the  enemy.  Colonel  Hawley  kept  his 
men  almost  entirely  secreted  within  the  wood  from  the  view  of  an  ap 
proaching  force,  and  acted  with  the  greatest  discrimination  and  judgment 
throughout.  It  was  ascertained  after  waiting  in  this  position  for  half  an 
hour,  that  the  alarm  was  false.  Those  who  had  been  deployed  to  the  left 
were  ordered  back  to  advance  with  the  force  on  the  right,  which  was  done. 
An  encampment  was  selected  in  the  wood,  a  few  hundred  yards  from  the 
Williamsport  pike,  and  about  a  mile  from  Clear  Spring,  and  at  the  foot  of 
a  mountain  called  "Fair  View,"  the  summit  of  which  commands  a  view 
of  the  country  for  miles  in  all  directions.  We  had  hardly  stacked  arms 
before  another  alarm  was  given.  It  came  so  sudden  and  was  communi 
cated  to  the  men  in  such  a  manner  by  those  who  brought  it,  that  we  had 
no  hope  of  ever  reaching  our  guns,  to  say  nothing  of  getting  into  posi 
tion  before  the  enemy  would  be  upon  us.  The  men,  however,  were  not  of 
the  scary  kind.  They  acted  with  the  greatest  coolness,  under  the  circum 
stances.  Col.  Hawley  quickly  formed  them  in  line,  and  we  advanced  to 
the  edge  of  the  Williamsport  Pike;  no  enemy  greeted  us.  Our  men  retired, 
much  disappointed  in  not  getting  a  shot  at  the  Gray  Barks.  A  cavalry 
fight  had  just  been  going  on  in  a  field  adjoining  Clear  Spring,  in  which 
three  or  four  were  wounded  on  both  sides,  some  of  whom  have  since  died. 
In  the  meantime,  or  at  the  time  of  the  last  alarm,  Capt.  Woodcock  had 
advanced,  from  a  mistaken  order,  to  the  town  and  took  possession  of  it 
just  as  the  enemy  were  retiring,  and  at  once  prepared  to  hold  it,  and  repel 
an  attack  of  three  times  his  number  if  made  by  cavalry.  His  position,  over 
the  brow  of  a  hill,  behind  a  toll-gate  at  that  point,  was  well  chosen,  and 
from  the  fearless  front  he  presented  may  doubtless  be  ascribed  the  fact  of 
his  not  being  attacked.  The  enemy  were  close  by  in  heavy  force,  the  right 
wing  of  General  Lee's  army  resting  within  three  nrles.  Had  not  Colonel 
Hawley's  strength  been  kept  well  concealed,  there  is  not  the  least  doubt 
but  that  the  whole  of  us  would  have  been  captured.  Nothing  could  have 
prevented  it.  We  held  the  place  until  Sunday  morning,  when  Colonel 
Mulligan  and  General  Kelly's  force  arrived  and  took  possession.  Colonel 
Hawley  was  highly  complimented  by  them  for  the  manner  in  which  he 
managed.  On  Sunday  morning  we  started  back  to  London.  This  was 
regretted  by  the  men  generally.  We  left  them  at  Mercersburg  on  Sunday 
evening ;  they  probably  reached  London  by  Monday  noon.  It  was  pre 
sumed  that  they  would  be  ordered  from  there  to  Chambersburg,  or  the 
vicinity  of  Hagerstown.  Since  leaving  Mount  Union  we  have  marched 
over  eighty  miles,  over  bad  roads,  and  the  men  may  be  said  to  be  tired  and 
foot-sore.  Hardly  any  escaped  blistered  'feet,  and  in  many  instances  bloody 
ones.  They  perform  their  duties  cheerfully.  Some  who  had  left  their 
families  unprovided  for  and  seemed  down-hearted  in  consequence,  have 
cheered  up  wonderfully  since  they  learned  of  the  fifty-dollar  oounty. 
During  this  long  journey  we  never  got  a  sight  of  a  newspaper.  It  seemed 
like  being  out  of  the  world. 

We  cannot  close  this  without  giving  due  praise  to  Colonel  Hawley, 
Major  Maldeman,  and  others  of  the  staff,  for  the  gentlemanly  manner  in 
which  thev  acted  towards  the  troops,  and  the  efficiency  with  which  they 
performed  their  duties. 

Lieutenant-Colonel  Yarnall  arrived  with  his  command  at  Shippensburg, 
on  Monday.  Captain  Black's  company,  from  Marple,  is  at  Chambersburg. 


202 


CAPTAIN    CO.    D,    I24TH    P.    V. 

LIEUTENANT-COLONEL    2QTH    P.    V.    M. 

DORN    AUGUST    23,    l8l2. 

DIED    DECEMBER    28,    IQOO. 


MUSTER  ROLL  OF  CO.  A,  THIRTY-SEVENTH  PENNSYLVANIA 
VOLUNTEER    MILITIA, 

IN   WHICH  SOME  OF  THE  MEMBERS  OF  THE   I24TH  RE-ENLISTED  JUNE,   1863: 

Captain — William  Frick, 

Lieutenants — Edward  M.  Lyons,  William  G.  Price. 

Sergeants — John  E.  Shaw,  Thomas  Donechy,  Charles  D.  Pennell, 
William  C.  Dubree,  George  Baker. 

Corporals — Charles  A.  Story,  John  McFall,  John  Atkinson,  David  M. 
Johnson,  Henry  Hinkson,  Robert  M.  Green,  Charles  Hinkson,  Frederick 
Engle. 

Musicians — Hamilton  Sample,  James  Rawcliff. 


PRIVATES 


Aaron  Allen, 
David  Appleby, 
James  R.  Abernathy, 
Abram  Blakely, 
Thomas  W.  Boker 
John  Boon 
Peter  Boon, 
Jacob   Boon, 
William  Blakely, 
Joseph  Blakely, 
Christopher  Blakely, 
Thomas    Berry, 
George  F.  Brinton, 
Henry  Bradley, 
Abram   Birtwell, 
John  Birtwell, 
Thomas  Chambers, 
James  Cochran, 
Alfred  O.  Deshong, 
James  Dunkerly, 
William  P.  Defr, 
Julius  A.  Dutton, 
George  P.  Dale, 
William    Ewing, 
Samuel  Etchells, 
Peter  H.  Engle, 
Joseph  Eckersly, 
Edwin  E.  Flavill, 
John  Gartside, 
James  Gartside, 
Thomas  Gibbs, 
J.  Marshall  Garrett, 
Peter  Goff, 
Charles  L.  Grubb, 
George  Gorby, 
Robert   C.   Gorby, 
\\rilliam  H.  Geary, 
Jonathan  Grant, 
James  Hause. 
Henry  M.   Hinkson, 
Alfred  Huff, 
William  Harrison, 


Jesse  Hicken, 
Joshua   Hibberd, 
J.  Washington  Irving, 
Henry  La r kin, 
Thomas  Lee, 
James  Hause, 
John   Holt, 
John  P.  Jones, 
Jacob  B.  Kitts, 
Joseph  Ladomus, 
David  W.  Morrison, 
William   P.   Morrison, 
Jonas    Miller, 
William  Moore, 
Robert    Mirt, 
James  Montgomery, 
William  Mills, 
Daniel  McKinney, 
Benjamin   Mason, 
James  Morgan, 
William  J.  Oglesby, 
William  Patterson. 
Andrew  Phillips, 
Geo.  H.  Ridgeway, 
William  R.  Rice, 
Jacob  B.  Stewart, 
Robert   Smith,  Jr., 
Charles  Sweeney, 
William  Schofield, 
Arnold  Shaw, 
John  Slawter, 
Thomas  O.  Stephenson, 
Henry  Sutliff, 
Richard  T.  Turner. 
Richard  E.  Turner, 
George  Turner, 
William  H.  H.  Taylor, 
Thomas  Wood, 
William   Wilkinson, 
Joseph   Weaver, 
George  H.  Ridgeway. 
Jacob  B.  Yates. 


205 


ORGANIZATION  OF  THE  SOCIETY  OF  THE  ONE 

HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FOURTH  REGIMENT, 

PENNSYLVANIA  VOLUNTEERS. 

On  the  evening  of  September  7th,  1885,  there  assembled  at 
West  Chester,  Pennsylvania,  in  the  photograph  parlors  of  Com 
rade  Thomas  W.  Taylor,  Lieutenant  W.  D.  Christman,  George 
G.  Taylor,  Captain  R.  D.  Townsend,  Lieutenant  Josiah  Burnett, 
Lieutenant  Thomas  J.  Townsend,  Thomas  W.  Taylor,  D.  E. 
Townsend,  and  Charles  P.  Keech.  The  question  of  a  reunion 
of  the  survivors  of  the  I24th  Regiment  was  discussed,  and  a 
temporary  organization  was  formed,  with  Lieutenant  Christman, 
chairman ;  Charles  P.  Keech,  secretary,  and  Thomas  W.  Taylor, 
treasurer.  On  motion  of  the  secretary,  it  was 

Resolved,  That  an  invitation  be  extended  to  the  survivors  of 
the  regiment  to  meet  at  Paoli  Monument  Grounds  on  Monday, 
September  2ist. 

On  the  evening  of  September  I4th,  a  second  meeting  was  held 
at  same  place,  and  John  Crothers  and  D.  E.  Townsend  were 
appointed  to  act  in  conjunction  with  the  temporary  officers  to  aid 
in  the  work  preparatory  to  the  meeting  announced  for  the  2ist. 

REUNION. 

The  first  gathering  of  the  survivors  of  the  regiment  took  place 
on  Paoli's  historic  ground,  September  2ist,  1885.  There  were 
present  eighty-five  comrades. 

Colonel  Joseph  W.  Hawley  was  elected  president;  Chas.  P. 
Keech  and  Joseph  G.  Cummings,  secretaries.  An  executive 
committee  was  appointed  and  authorized  to  frame  a  Constitution 
and  By-Laws  for  the  action  of  the  next  meeting,  and  to  complete 
arrangements  for  a  general  reunion  of  the  regiment  in  West 
Chester,  on  November  igth,  1885. 


206 


WEST  CHESTER  REUNION. 

(First  Annual.) 
NOVEMBER  ipth,  1885. 

The  meeting  was  called  to  order  by  President  Colonel  Joseph 
W.  Hawley,  and  prayer  was  offered  by  Chaplain  Joseph  S. 
Evans.  The  minutes  of  the  preliminary  meetings  were  read  by 
Secretary  Keech.  The  Executive  Committee  submitted  a  Con 
stitution  and  By-Laws,  which  were  adopted  and  signed  by  the 
members  present. 

The  following  officers  were  chosen  by  acclamation : 

President Colonel  Joseph  W.  Hawley 

Vice-President Captain  Charles  W.  Roberts 

Secretary Charles  P.  Keech 

Treasurer Captain  W.  W.  Stott 

The  president  appointed  Rev.  Joseph  S.  Evans  chaplain,  and 
Charles  D.  M.  Broomhall,  historian.  Present,  one  hundred  and 
twelve  comrades. 

The  orator  of  the  day  was  Thomas  J.  Stewart,  Adjutant-Gen 
eral  of  the  Department  of  Pennsylvania,  Grand  Army  of  the  Re 
public. 

It  was  decided  to  hold  the  next  reunion  at  Media,  on  Septem 
ber  1 7th,  1886,  the  anniversary  of  the  battle  of  Antietam. 


207 


MEDIA  REUNION. 

(Second  Annual.) 
SEPTEMBER  17111,  1886. 

The  survivors  of  the  regiment  formed  in  line  at  the  depot  and 
marched  to  the  Court  House,  headed  by  the  drum  and  fife  corps 
of  Bradbury  Post,  Xo.  149,  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic.  The 
old  battle  flag  of  the  regiment  was  carried  by  John  Underwood, 
who  was  color-bearer  of  the  regiment  during  its  service  in  the 
war. 

The  meeting  was  called  to  order  by  President  Colonel  Joseph 
W.  Hawley.  The  chaplain  of  the  regiment,  Rev.  Jos.  S.  Evans, 
offered  prayer  and  asked  Divine  aid  for  the  survivors.  The  officers 
of  the  preceding  year  were  re-elected  by  acclamation. 

It  was  decided  to  hold  the  next  reunion  on  the  Battlefield  of 
Antietam,  September  i/th,  1887.  The  president  appointed  the 
following  committee  to  make  arrangements :  William  C.  Dickey, 
I).  F.  Houston,  Charles  W.  Roberts,  Hunter  Brooke  and  Ralph 
Buckley. 

C.  D.  M.  Broomhall,  the  historian  of  the  regiment,  read  a  care 
fully  prepared  history  of  the  I24th  from  its  inception  until  the 
day  it  was  mustered  out  of  service  ;  entering  into  minute  details 
and  describing  the  scenes  in  camp  and  battle.  He  reviewed  the 
history  of  the  regiment  from  the  day  of  its  arrival  in  Washing 
ton,  on  August  I7th,  1862;  their  creditable  share  in  the  great 
battle  of  Antietam  on  September  I7th,  in  which  they  had  more 
than  sixty  killed  and  wounded ;  how  they  went  through  mud  and 
rain  on  the  march  toward  Fredericksburg,  arriving  too  late,  how 
ever,  through  these  adverse  circumstances,  to  participate  in  that 
terrible  engagement ;  also  how  they  dug  intrenchments  at  Chan- 
cellorsville  with  bayonets  and  tin  plates,  and  further  detailing 
the  share  of  fighting  done  by  the  regiment  in  that  battle. 

Dinner  was  served  at  the  Charter  House  to  about  one  hundred 
and  fifty  members  and  guests.  After  dinner,  speeches  were 
made  by  Robert  E.  Monaghan,  E.  P.  Needles,  Smeclley  Darling 
ton,  John  B.  Robinson,  John  A.  Groff,  Captain  Isaac  Johnson 
and  Joseph  Ad.  Thompson. 

Corporal  Tom  Kay  sang  ''The  Old  Coffee  Kettle"  and  gave 
flute  imitations  on  a  cane. 

208 


Media  Reunion,  1886. 
Chaplain  Rev.  Joseph  S.  Evans  made  the  following  remarks : 

"MR.  PRESIDENT  AND  COMRADES  :  I  feel  impelled  to  speak  of  a  matter 
to-day  which,  while  it  may  be  of  interest  to  my  comrades,  1  trust  it  may 
also  be  explanatory  to  onr  friends  who  welcome  and  honor  us  with  their 
presence.  It  is  in  reference  to  the  strong  ties  which  weld  the  hearts  of 
veteran  soldiers  together.  There  is  a  generation  of  men  and  women  in 
our  midst  to-day,  of  ages  of  thirty  years  and  downward,  who  can  have 
no  adequate  conception  of  the  true  cause  that  binds  the  heart  of  one 
veteran  soldier  to  another.  They  were  too  young  during  the  war  to  com 
prehend  what  their  fathers  and  mothers,  who  sent  loved  ones  to  the  field 
so  well  knew.  There  are  men  and  women  in  our  midst  who  had  scarcely 
seen  the  light  of  day  when  the  war  closed.  These  look  upon  reunions 
like  this  with  a  feeling  of  wonder ;  they  cannot  understand  why  there  is 
such  an  utter  absence  of  all  caste  or  conventionalities,  why  the  eye  that 
begins  to  grow  dim  from  weight  of  years  should  light  up  with  an 
unwonted  sparkle,  and  sometimes  be  diffused  with  manly  tears  as  old 
comrades  meet  and  grasp  each  other's  hands  with  a  long,  strong,  firm 
grasp.  No,  nor  is  it  possible  for  them  to  fully  comprehend  it.  unless  at 
some  future  day  in  their  lives  such  a  dire  calamity  as  war  should  call 
some  of  them  to  pass  through  similar  scenes  and  experiences.  No  tongue 
so  eloquent,  no  pen  sketch  so  vivid  as  to  unfold  in  its  true  character  and 
force  the  realities  which  some  of  us  have  known.  But  in  order  to  explain 
in  some  degree  the  reasons  of  such  manifestations,  may  I  not  be  indulged 
for  a  few  moments  while  I  try  to  relate  to  you  some  of  the  emotions  which 
filled  my  soul  with  a  strange  thrill  a  few  days  since  as  I  passed  along  and 
through  a  part  of  that  famous  in  history,  and  never  to  be  forgotten  in 
the  hearts  and  memories  of  the  I24th  Regiment — battlefield  of  Antietam, 
where  you,  my  brave  comrades,  received  your  first  baptism  of  fire  in  the 
evermore  historic  cornfield.  And  well  do  you  know  that  it  was  no 
Peclo-Baptist  baptism  either.  In  this  brief  description  I  shall  seem  to  live 
over  again  some  of  the  scenes  through  which  we  passed.  It  was  my 
pleasure  a  few  days  ago  to  pass  along  the  railroad  running  down  the  Cum 
berland  Valley  from  Harrisburg  to  Hagerstown,  and  i'rom  thence  on  the 
Shcnandoah  Valley  Railroad  to  Luray  and  Natural  Bridge  in  Virginia. 
All  along  the  whole  route  my  mind  could  not  but  dwell  upon  the  scenes  and 
incidents  of  the  war.  Chambersburg,  Hagerstown,  Shepardstown,  and  the 
place  of  old  John  Brown's  martyrdom,  Charlestown  and  a  score  of  other 
points  brought  vividly  to  my  mind  the  scenes  and  incidents  which 
played  such  an  important  part  in  the  great  struggle  to  put  down  foul  rebel 
lion.  But  it  was  when  I  came  in  sight  of  Antietam,  South  Mountain  an-1 
Maryland  Heights,  all  taken  in  at  one  sweeping  glance,  that  my  soul  was 
thrilled  with  emotions  which  almost  unnerved  me.  I  could  see  the  smoke 
and  fire,  and  hear  the  terrible  roar  of  musketry  and  artillery  which 
were  dealing  destruction  and  death  to  friend  and  foe  alike.  I  could  see 
again  the  long  columns  of  the  blue-co:ited  loyal  sons  of  the  North  as  they 

14  209 


Media  Reunion,  1886. 

wended  their  way  toward  their  struggling  comrades  across  the  valley  by 
Middletown,  I  saw  the  dark  shades  of  night  gather  around  us,  and  the  roar 
of  the  battle  was  hushed.  I  saw  our  brave  boys  with  thousands  of  others 
drop  down  by  the  roadside  supperless  and  weary ;  only  a  few  days  from 
their  comfortable,  sweet  homes  and  loved  ones.  All  that  night  until 
morning  dawn  the  lumbering  ambulances  were  rattling  by,  freighted  with 
the  wounded  and  dying,  their  shrieks  and  groans  piercing  my  heart 
afresh  with  inexpressible  anguish.  I  saw  the  morning  dawn,  and  then  our 
first  sight  of  heaps  of  the  slain  of  both  Blue  and  Gray.  I  saw  the  long 
trenches  being  dug  to  be  a  receptacle  for  those  lifeless  forms,  but  we  dare 
not  tarry.  I  saw  again  the  breakfast  which  our  faithful  cook  furnished  to 
your  Colonel  and  myself,  to  each  of  us  a  blackened  and  charred  ear  of 
new  corn  which  had  been  roasted  in  the  embers  of  a  camp-fire ;  that  was  all 
— the  enemy  were  moving ;  we  must  follow,  our  march  has  been  forced ; 
the  provision  trains  are  not  up,  we  must  go  hungry.  From  the  railway  I 
could  see  the  mountain  house  on  the  battlefield  where  Generals  Lee  and 
McClellan  had  successively  their  headquarters.  Though  miles  away,  it  stood 
out  in  its  whiteness,  to  me  a  sacred  landmark.  Then  1  saw  the  long 
lines  or  columns  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  stretching  away  down  the 
mountain  side  and  across  the  Valley  to  Boonesboro,  and  as  we  were  passing 
down  the  mountain  road  I  again  heard  the  cheering  from  thousands  of 
throats,  as  the  cry  came  like  lightning  down  the  line,  "Here  comes  little 
Mac."  Then  he  was  the  idol  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac ;  then,  and 
there,  he  received  such  an  ovation  as  must  have  cheered  his  soul,  and 
whatever  others  may  think,  I  have  never  lost  my  admiration  for  him  as 
a  brave  and  loyal  soldier  and  commander.  Peace  be  to  his  ashes  and  glory 
to  his  fame.  Like  that  other  grand  old  comrade  and  general,  the  hero 
of  Gettysburg,  Hancock,  the  dirty  scum  of  political  slander,  while  it  dis 
turbed  their  peace  for  a  time,  has  left  no  tarnish  upon  their  military 
glory. 

"When  the  brave  and  noble  Hancock  died,  if  ever  I  felt  thankful  to  my 
God  it  was,  that,  setting  aside  every  vestige  of  political  bias,  he  had  not 
been  made  President  of  the  United  States.  He  died  with  glory  and  honor 
untarnished.  But  I  digress ;  I  must  hasten  on.  I  see  again  the  shades 
of  night  and  the  bivouac  in  the  great,  broad  field  at  Nicodemus  Mills.  I  hear 
again  General  Crawford's  order  promulgated,  "The  fence  must  not  be 
disturbed,"  and  yet  in  half  an  hour  those  very  fences  had  boiled  thousands 
of  cups  of  coffee  and  fried  hundreds  of  pounds  of  bacon,  and  by  their 
smouldering  ashes  lay  whole  brigades  of  weary,  sleeping  men.  The  next 
evening,  Tuesday,  September  i6th,  I  see  the  brigade  along  the  pike  near 
Sharpsburg;  the  thunder  of  conflict  is  coming  across  the  hill  which  hides 
it  from  our  view;  we  wait  in  suspense.  I  see  again,  just  across  the  pike 
on  the  other  side  in  that  orchard,  comrades  of  another  brigade,  who,  like 
ourselves,  are  waiting.  I  see  that  spent  cannon  ball  cut  off  the  head  of  one 
of  those  men  as  quickly  as  by  a  stroke  of  lightning.  Midnight  comes. 
Again  the  wearied  men  lie  sleeping  all  around ;  and  the  whispered  orders 

210 


Media  Reunion,  1886. 

to  move  come  with  strange,  startling  awe  to  my  ear.  No  word  to  be 
spoken  aloud;  no  drum  to  beat;  no  noise,  the  enemy  are  just  beyond.  With 
silent  tread  we  wend  our  way  through  the  darkness,  we  know  not  where. 
The  rattle  of  the  musketry  of  the  pickets  is  near  by,  and  then  afar  off,  away 
down  the  line.  We  halt  quiet  as  before.  A  drizzling  rain  o'er  head,  a 
plowed  field  beneath  our  feet ;  there  we  lie  down,  resting  awhile  as  we 
await  the  storm  of  death.  Soon  the  faint  streaks  of  daylight  appear;  the 
din  and  strife  increase ;  the  order  comes  to  move.  Without  a  mouthful  of 
breakfast  the  brave  boys  of  the  I24th,  only  four  weeks'  soldiers,  marched 
unflinchingly  forward  to  the  line  of  fire.  There,  shoulder  to/  shoulder, 
they  marched  into  the  storm  of  death  in  the  cornfield.  I  need  not  tell  you 
the  rest ;  I  cannot  describe  the  thunder  and  crash  of  battle ;  the  roar  of 
the  artillery;  the  fiendish  yell  of  the  Rebel  charge;  the  awful  sight  of 
wounded  and  dead  comrades  on  every  hand.  I  see  again  the  white-haired, 
noble  Mansfield,  with  the  fatal  bullet  in  his  heart.  I  see  Colonel  Croasdale. 
of  the  I28th,  with  the  sickly  bullet  hole  in  his  forehead,  carried  to  the  rear 
a  lifeless  corpse,  a  few  minutes  after  he  went  into  the  fight.  I  see  again 
our  brave  Lieutenant  Finch  as  he  lies  upon  the  straw  in  the  barn  with  a 
death  wound  through  his  body.  I  see  others  of  our  regiment  dead  and 
wounded  all  around.  But  as  1  turn  back  I  see  the  kind  face  of  our  tender 
hearted  but  now  departed  comrade,  Tom  Foster,  with  face  pale  as  ashes 
and  tears  running  down  his  cheeks,  he  cries,  "My  God,  chaplain,  here  is 
our  Colonel  wounded.''  Tenderly  we  carried  him  to  the  old  farmhouse ; 
with  bated  breath  we  wait  as  the  surgeon  tries  to  probe  the  wound ;  sor 
rowfully  we  place  him  again  in  the  ambulance,  and  wend  our  way  in  the 
twilight  hour  toward  Boonesboro.  On  the  morrow  we  bade  him,  what  we 
then  thought,  the  last  sad  farewell ;  to-day  we  praise  the  name  of  the  God 
of  battles,  who  spared  his  life  to  attend  this  reunion.  We  wend  our  way 
back  to  the  field  of  carnage.  The  dark  shades  of  gloomy  night  have  again 
settled  over  our  brave  and  shattered  army.  By  the  flare  of  the  flickering 
light  we  see  our  boys  gathered  in  the  woods  ;  the  unburied  dead  are  all 
about  them.  All  expected  that  the  morrow's  dawn  would  bring  on  the 
dreadful  carnage  again.  We  held  our  little  prayer-meeting  over  again. 
1  received  again  messages  from  officers  and  men  to  loved  ones  at  home  in 
case  they  should  fall  in  the  to-morrow's  battle.  My  friends,  these  were 
times  that  tried  men's  souls.  These  were  the  scenes  and  experiences  which 
welded  men's  hearts  together  in  an  eternal  bond  of  friendship.  This  is 
why  we  greet  each  other  so  heartily  and  lovingly.  Do  you  understand  it 
better  than  before?  Souls  welded  together  in  scenes  like  these  lose  all 
sense  of  difference  of  station,  education  or  nationality.  As  each  looks  in 
the  face  of  the  other,  they  see  only  the  face  of  a  brother." 


211 


AXTIETAM  REUNION. 

(Third  Annual,) 
SEPTEMBER  29th,  1887. 

In  consequence  of  the  Constitutional  Centennial  being  held  in 
Philadelphia,  September  I5th,  i6th  and  i/th,  the  contemplated 
trip  to  Antietam  was  postponed  to  the  29th,  on  which  date  the 
rain  made  the  outlook  very  gloomy  for  a  pleasant  trip. 

Owing  to  the  inclement  weather,  it  was  decided  to  stop  at 
Hagerstown  until  morning.  The  Baldwin  House  placed  their 
parlors  at  the  disposal  of  the  Association,  and  the  meeting  was 
called  to  order  by  President  Colonel  Joseph  W.  Hawley.  The 
officers  of  the  previous  year  were  elected,  except  that  Captain 
W.  W.  Stott  was  succeeded  as  treasurer  by  Captain  Joseph 
Pratt.  Chester  was  decided  upon  as  the  place  for  the  next 
annual  reunion,  September  I7th,  1888. 

Roll-call  showed  the  following  members  present : 

Col.  Jos.  W.   Hawley 
George  J.   Steitler 
Lieutenant   Ralph    Buckley 


George  W.  Ayres 

Gardiner  Kelly 

Jacob  Barlow 

Thomas  H.  Kay 

Captain  Joseph   Pratt 

Lewris    Farra 

John   M.   Windle 

Wilmer  Wood 

Benjamin  Brooke 

Robert  M.  Green 

John  S.  Baldwin 

Charles   P.    Keech 

Captain  James  Barton 

William  Trainer,  Jr. 

William  F.   Shaw 

William  D.   Wilkinson 

Lewis  Wilson 

Lieutenant  William  C.  Dickey 

Joel   Hollingswrorth 


George  F.   Bailey 
C.  H.  Dilworth 
George    M.   Thomson 
Mifflin  W.  Bailey 
Charles  Daller 
Thomas  T.   Smith 
Abraham   Brubaker 
W.  W.  Potts 
I.  Walton  Martin 
Jesse  Darlington 
Edward  B.  Green 
C.  D.  M.  Broomhall 
Lorenzo  F.  Davis 
Benjamin  T.  Green 
Thomas  Chambers 
Joseph  B.  Hinkson 
Lieutenant  Harry   C.   Wells 
Joseph  M.  Showalter 
Milton  McFadden 
Rev.  Joseph  S.  Evans 
Captain   Charles 'W.  Roberts 
Lieutenant  John  A.  Groff 
Bernard  Hawley 


After  supper,  Reno  Post,  G.  A.  R.,  Department  of  Maryland, 
tendered  the  use  of  their  Post  room,  where    a    camp-fire    was 


Antietam  Reunion,  1887-1 

started,  Colonel  Hawley  presiding.  Commander  G.  L.  Fisher, 
of  Reno  Post,  extended  a  cordial  welcome  to  the  members  of  the 
Association,  to  which  Colonel  Hawley  responded.  Speeches 
were  made  by  Chaplain  Evans,  Lieutenant  Groff,  Captain  Barton, 
Lieutenant  Buckley,  Lieutenant  William  C.  Dickey,  of  the  Asso 
ciation,  and  Captain  Boward,  of  Reno  Post.  Corporal  Tom  Kay 
filled  in  the  space  with  his  "Old  Coffee  Kettle"  and  other  well- 
known  selections. 

After  a  night's  rest,  the  journey  was  resumed  to  Antietam, 
arriving  there  at  8.45  A.  M.  Carriages  were  in  waiting,  and  a 
pleasant  day  was  spent  visiting  the  various  points  of  interest  on 
that  memorable  field.  As  we  gazed  on  the  fields  surrounding 
Bloody  Lane,  now  giving  forth  their  fruits  of  peace,  it  was  hard 
to  give  expression  to  our  thoughts.  If  those  old  trees  could  speak, 
what  an  experience  they  could  tell  of  twenty-five  years  ago,  when 
the  dead — man  and  beast — dying  and  wounded,  lay  side  by  side 
beneath  their  spreading,  shot-ridden  branches,  which  to-day  are 
outstretched  over  fields  ripe  for  the  harvest  of  peace.  The  sacri-/ 
fice,  indeed,  was  great  beyond  computation,  but  the  result  was  a( 
benefaction  to  mankind,  the  salvation  of  the  greatest  government 
on  earth. 


213 


CHESTER    REUNION. 

(Fourth  Annual.) 
SEPTEMBER  17,  1888. 

The  meeting  was  called  to  order  by  President  Colonel  Joseph 
W.  Hawley,  and  prayer  offered  by  Chaplain  Joseph  S.  Evans. 

Roll  call  showed  100  members  present.  The  officers  of  pre 
vious  year  were  re-elected,  except  that  Captain  Joseph  Pratt  was 
succeeded  as  treasurer  by  Joel  Hollingsworth. 

A  committee  was  appointed  to  secure  ground  on  which  to  erect 
a  tablet  on  Antietam  battleground.  The  committee  consisted  of 
David  F.  Houston,  Charles  W.  Roberts,  Edwin  F.  James, 
Benjamin  Brooke,  Joseph  Showalter,  Ralph  Buckley,  George 
M.  Thomson,  Robert  M.  Green,  Joseph  B.  Hinkson,  Milton 
McFadden. 

A  committee  was  also  appointed  to  print  a  history  of  the 
regiment.  It  consisted  of  W.  W.  Potts,  Thomas  Chambers, 
George  M.  Thomson,  David  F.  Houston,  and  Thomas  T.  Smith. 

An  invitation  was  extended  by  Admiral  S.  F.  Dupont  Post, 
No.  2,  G.  A.  R.  of  Delaware,  to  hold  the  next  annual  reunion  in 
Wilmington.  The  invitation  was  accepted. 

The  Committee  of  Arrangements  had  made  preparations  for 
the  society  to  visit  the  various  industrial  establishments  of  the 
city,  but  the  inclement  weather  prevented  that  part  of  the  program 
from  being  carried  out. 


214 


WILMINGTON  REUNION. 

(Fifth  Annual.) 
SEPTEMBER   17,    1889. 

At  the  annual  reunion  held  in  Chester,  Pennsylvania,  Septem 
ber  17,  1888,  Wilmington,  Delaware,  was  decided  upon  as  the 
place  of  meeting  for  this  year,  by  invitation  of  Admiral  S.  F. 
Dupont  Post,  No.  2,  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic. 

The  members  and  friends  of  the  Association  assembled  at  the 
Philadelphia,  Wilmington  and  Baltimore  Railroad  Station, 
Wilmington,  Delaware,  at  9.30  A.  M. 

Each  comrade  of  the  Association  was  presented  with  a  badge 
by  Dupont  Post,  inscribed  as  follows :  Admiral  S.  F.  Dupont 
Post  No.  2,  Department  of  Delaware,  G.  A.  R.,  to  the  Survivors 
of  the  1 24th  Regiment,  Pennsylvania  Volunteer  infantry, 
September  17,  1889. 

After  some  time  spent  in  greetings  and  introductions,  we  were 
escorted  to  the  Opera  House  by  the  comrades  of  Dupont  and 
other  posts,  members  of  city  councils,  and  a  fife  and  drum  corps 
of  20  pieces ;  in  the  procession  was  Governor  Biggs  and  staff,  of 
Delaware,  and  many  of  the  leading  citizens  of  Wilmington  and 
Chester. 

One  hundred  and  fifty-six  of  the  comrades  of  the  regiment 
were  present,  and  when  Colonel  Hawley  led  them  down  the 
central  aisle  of  the  Opera  House  auditorium,  there  was  a  roar 
of  applause  from  the  large  audience  as  the  tattered  battle-flag  of 
the  regiment  fluttered  its  thin  remnants  to  the  swinging  march 
of  the  men  who  had  followed  it  to  victory  in  days  gone  by.  The 
platform  was  decorated  with  flags  and  bunting,  among  the  former 
being  that  of  Dupont  Post  and  the  I24th  Regiment. 


Wilmington  Reunion, 

Captain  Edward  F.  James,  of  Company  G,  I24th,  on  behalf 
of  the  Committee  of  Arrangements,  introduced,  as  "the  soldier's 
friend,"  Washington  Jones,  Esq.,  as  chairman  of  the  meeting. 

Mr.  Jones,  in  expressing  his  appreciation  of  the  honor,  said 
he  hoped  the  day  would  never  come  when  he  would  fail  to  honor 
the  memory  of  those  who  gave  their  lives  for  the  maintenance  of 
the  Union. 

The  Rev.  L.  E.  Barrett,  of  St.  Paul's  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church,  offered  an  eloquent  and  appropriate  prayer. 

A  quartette  sang  "We  Old  Boys." 

'  'Twas  side  by  side  as  comrades  dear, 

In  dark  days  long  ago, 
We  fought  the  fight  without  a  fear, 

And  rendered  blow  for  blow. 
In  battle,  march  or  prison  pen, 

Each  unto  each  was  true, 
As  beardless  boys  became  strong  men, 

And  brav'd  the  long  war  through." 

Governor  Biggs,  of  Delaware,  being  introduced,  said,  in  part : 

"Through  the  partiality  of  Du  Pont  Post,  I  appear  to  welcome  to  the 
State  of  Delaware  the  I24th  Regiment.  I  welcome  you  with  open  arms 
and  with  a  wrarm  heart.  The  State  of  Delaware  has  a  history.  The  State 
of  Pennsylvania  has  a  history.  And  these  histories  have  been  made  side 
by  side  by  men  of  the  Keystone  and  Diamond  States. 

"A  Franklin  and  a  Rodney  together  signed  that  immortal  bill  of  rights 
which  has  been  liberty's  beacon  light  down  the  years  of  a  century — the 
Declaration  of  Independence. 

"While  we  of  Delaware  were  the  first  to  ratify  that  Magna  Charta  of 
human  liberty — the  Constitution  of  the  United  States,  the  men  of  Penn 
sylvania  quickly  fell  into  alignment,  and  together  on  almost  every  field  of 
strife  during  the  long,  dark  and  bloody  years  of  the  Revolution,  side  by 
side  they  bled,  fought  and  died  that  America  might  be  free. 

"In  the  earlier  days  of  the  legislative  history  of  our  country,  Pennsylvania 
and  Delaware  were  one  and  inseparable  in  the  support  of  measures  which 
tended  in  the  greatest  degree  for  the  upbuilding  of  this  God-given,  sublime 
governmental  superstructure,  which  is  to  the  nations  of  the  earth  as  was 
the  Ark  of  the  Covenant  to  the  Israelites  of  old,  leading  them  to  the  prom 
ised  land  of  independence  and  happiness. 

"In  every  struggle  in  the  subsequent  history  of  our  Nation  together  we 
fought,  side  by  side,  for  the  honor  of  the  flag  and  the  perpetuation  of  our 
common  country. 

216 


''And  so  to-day,  while  we  recognize  you  as  Pennsylvanians,  and  as 
such  bid  you  welcome  to  our  State,  yet  we  would  greet  you  in  a  higher 
sense  as  citizens  of  our  greater  commonwealth — as  soldiers  of  the  Republic, 
tried  so  as  by  fire — as  men  weighed  in  the  balance  in  the  hour  of  the 
Nation's  peril  and  not  found  wanting. 

"My  life  is  behind  me,  and  I  thank  God  for  His  goodness  and  mercy  to 
me.  As  I  look  backward,  the  years  of  the  history  of  your  country  and 
mine  are  crowned  with  blessings.  Standing  here  to-day,  on  this  Pisgah 
point,  glancing  backward  over  the  marvelous  history  of  this  Nation,  we 
can  but  exclaim,  'What  hath  God  wrought?'  and  catching  an  inspiration 
from  the  glorious  past,  we  cast  our  eyes  forward  to  an  unlimited  expanse 
of  progress  and  glory  which  shall  eclipse  in  its  grandeur  the  greatness  of 
all  the  nations  of  the  earth. 

"We  are  proud  to  welcome  you  to-day,  brave  men  of  the  One  Hundred 
and  Twenty-fourth.  As  a  regiment  you  did  noble  service.  At  Antietam, 
amid  the  storm  of  shot  and  shell,  in  which  the  brave  Mansfield  fell  and 
before  which  your  gallant  Colonel  went  down,  you  so  well  and  fearlessly 
discharged  your  duty,  that  your  Commander,  General  McClcllan,  has  spe 
cially  commended  you.  What  a  high  and  proud  position  you  and  your 
comrades  of  the  Grand  Army  have  won.  What  a  legacy  you  have  made 
for  your  children  !" 

Turning  to  the  battle-flag  of  the  regiment,  the  Governor  said :  "Unfurl 
that  flag.  (Amidst  cheers  the  flag  was  unfurled.)  God  bless  its  tattered 
and  bullet-riddled  folds  !  What  a  history  it  has  !  Cherish  it,  boys  of  the 
One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fourth  !  In  its  defense  and  under  its  leadership 
many  of  your  comrades  died  in  that  field  of  death,  the  historic  cornfield  of 
Antietam. 

"Again,  I  bid  you  welcome.  You  are  prisoners  of  war.  Consider  your 
selves  for  the  present  Delawareans.  Presently,  under  the  leadership  of 
the  gallant  Captain  James,  chairman  of  the  committee,  you  will  be  led  to 
an  attack  to  which  we  hope  you  will  do  full  justice  as  you  did  on  the  field 
of  battle.  Do  your  duty  as  men — as  hungry  men." 

It  is  to  be  regretted  that  the  remarks  of  Governor  Biggs  cannot 
be  given  at  greater  length,  as  his  address  was  an  admirable  one. 
He  stirred  the  heart  of  every  soldier  present  by  his  patriotic 
utterances  and  his  generous  words  of  welcome. 

Colonel  Joseph  W.  Hawley  was  called  upon  to  respond  to  the 
governor.  In  a  few  appropriate  words  he  returned  thanks  for 
the  honor,  and  introduced  the  Hon.  John  M.  Broomall,  Media, 
Delaware  County,  Pa. 

REMARKS  OF  HON.  JOHN  M.  BROOMALL. 

In  part  he  said :  "Having  obeyed  the  Colonel's  orders  a  number  of  years 
ago,  it  would  not  be  well  for  me  to  shirk  now.  The  Colonel,  however,  did 

217 


Wilmington  Reunion,  1889. 

not  ask  me  to  do  his  fighting.  It  affords  me  pleasure  on  behalf  of  the 
One  Hundred  and  Twenty- fourth  Regiment  to  thank  the  Post  and  the 
Governor  for  their  kindness.  I  am  a  peace  man,  and  have  always  been. 
I  do  not  believe  in  settling  questions  of  law  on  the  battlefield,  and  soon 
questions  will  be  settled  differently.  Sometimes  there  is  a  necessity  for 
war.  When  that  necessity  for  war  was  over  we  settled  other  questions  in 
a  different  manner.  Before  the  Rebellion,  American  patriotism  had  almost 
been  -forgotten.  When  it  came,  party  questions  were  forgotten  and  a 
rebellion  put  down  that  would  have  upset  any  other  government  in  the 
world.  I  thank  the  Governor  for  his  warm  words  of  welcome." 

Captain  Isaac  Johnson,  Media,  Pa.,  was  introduced. 

"I  am  absolved,"  he  said  in  part,  "from  any  reply  to  the  Mayor.  When 
I  saw  the  flags  as  we  marched  up  the  streets  of  this  city  I  thought  the 
day  would  not  soon  come  when  the  men  who  risked  their  lives  for  their 
country  twenty-five  years  ago  will  forget  the  flag.  It  is  right  that  Delaware 
should  welcome  a  Pennsylvania  regiment.  Delaware  was  a  border  State, 
and  had  Lhe  Rebellion  succeeded  this  would  have  been  a  battle  ground. 
It  is  right  that  Delaware  should  welcome  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty- 
fourth,  and  she  has  done  it  nobly.  Let  me  say  on  behalf  of  the  One 
Hundred  and  Twenty-fourth,  that  we  thank  you  for  this  royal  welcome. 
We  will  welcome  you  in  some  future  time  as  you  have  welcomed  us 
to-day." 

The  song,  "Dying  Bugler/'  was  next  sung,  with  admirable 
effect,  by  Prof.  X.  D.  Cloward.  He  held  the  audience  spellbound. 

Department  Commander  Captain  Peter  B.  Avars,  being  intro 
duced,  said,  in  part : 

"MR.  CHAIRMAN  :  As  so  many  speeches  of  'welcome'  have  been  made, 
and  I  am  expected  to  make  another  on  the  same  line,  I  am  reminded  of  the 
story  of  a  poor  fellow  who  was  unfortunately  kicked  to  death  by  an  army 
mule,  and  we  all  know  they  were  'kickers.'  A  telegram  announcing  the 
sad  event  was  sent,  to  the  parents  of  the  deceased.  An  answer  was 
received :  'Send  the  remains  home.'  The  circumstances  were  such  that  but 
one  reply  could  be  sent:  'There  are  no  remains.'  (Laughter.) 

"After  listening  to  the  speeches  of  the  eloquent  gentlemen  who  have 
preceded  me,  there  seems  to  be  'no  remains'  for  me  on  the  'welcome'  line. 

"I  have  always  been  grateful  that  my  services  in  the  Army  of  the  Union 
during  the  Rebellion  entitled  me  to  comradeship  in  the  Grand  Army  of  the 
Republic,  and  am  doubly  grateful  to-day  to  be  privileged  not  only  to  greet 
you  as  comrades  of  the  war,  but  to  extend  to  you  officially  the  warm 
soldierly  greetings  of  the  Grand  Army  of  Delaware.  This  day  of  all  other 
days,  and  Wilmington  of  all  other  places,  it  seems  to  me  to  be  the 
very  time  and  place  for  holding  your  reunion. 

218 


Wilmington  Reunion, 

"A  little  more  than  a  quarter  of  a  century  ago  to-day,  on  the  field  of 
Antietam,  you  received  your  first  baptism  of  fire  from  the  enemy's  guns, 
and  your  brave  Colonel  Hawley  went  down  while  leading  you  to  victory. 
Your  regiment  presented  a  magnificent  spectacle,  as  steadily  through  the 
smoke  of  battle  you  advanced  to  the  front  and  engaged  the  enemy  in  the 
cornfield  above  the  sunken  road,  and  when  the  harvest  of  death  seemed 
greatest,  and  your  thinned  lines  were  wavering  under  the  galling  fire,  then 
that  noble  old  regiment,  the  First  Delaware  (then,  too,  to  receive  its  bap 
tism  and  make  its  first  sacrifice),  came  to  your  support,  and  together  the 
men  of  Pennsylvania  and  Delaware,  as  in  the  days  of  '76,  mingled  their 
blood  in  defense  of  their  country. 

"To-day  those  who  fell,  sleep  side  by  side  in  the  beautiful  National 
Cemetery  on  the  hillside,  till  the  last  reveille  shall  be  sounded.  Therefore, 
1  say,  this  is  the  proper  time,  September  17,  and  Wilmington,  our  beautiful 
city,  the  proper  place  for  your  reunion. 

"Ours  is  a  great  order,  consisting,  as  it  does,  of  thirty-six  departments 
and  four  thousand  six  hundred  posts  and  a  total  membership  of  over  four 
hundred  thousand,  all  touching  elbow  to  elbow  to-day  as  they  did  from 
'61  to  '65.  There  was  expended  last  year  over  one  million  dollars  in 
charity;  not  given,  as  the  world  understands  it,  in  a  spirit  that  makes  a 
poor  man  feel  poorer,  but  in  that  spirit  that  was  taught  us  by  the  Great 
Teacher  of  old,  who  went  about  over  those  Judean  hills  doing  good  to  the 
afflicted  people. 

"And  so  the  fellowship  of  suffering  continues,  and  we  go  down  to  the 
edge  of  the  border  land  with  our  sick. 

"In  all  this  broad  land  of  ours  to-day  there  is  not  one  comrade  in  an  alms- 
house,  unless  of  his  own  volition.  Thanks  to  the  efforts  of  the  Grand 
Army  of  the  Republic  and  a  generous  Government,  homes  have  been  pro 
vided  where  all  the  'old  boys,'  who,  by  reason  of  wounds,  or  whose  health 
has  been  impaired  by  hard,  arduous  service  during  the  Rebellion,  can 
go  and  be  made  comfortable  the  remainder  of  his  life,  and  they  are  homes 
indeed. 

"A  friend  asked  me  some  few  days  ago  why,  in  the  three  cardinal 
words  of  our  association,  the  word  'Loyalty'  was  engrafted.  Was  it 
necessary  to  pledge  the  old  boys  to  renewed  loyalty  for  the  flag? 

"1  said:  'Oh,  no!  They  have  attested  that  on  every  battle-field  of  the 
South/  and  to  my  idea  that  would  be  about  as  silly  as  the  pension  law  that 
makes  an  applicant  for  pension,  after  four  years'  hard  service,  go  back  and 
prove  that  he  was  an  able-bodied  man  before  he  entered  the  service. 

"But  a  different  teaching  than  this  of  loyalty  is  intended.  Loyalty  to 
each  other  and  each  other's  interest.  With  no  sect,  no  creed,  no  politics, 
and  no  rank  but  the  broad  platform  of  comradeship. 

''I  knew  two  comrades  who  had  braved  the  perils  of  the  second  battle 
of  Bull  Run  together.  One  of  them  was  badly  wounded  just  as  the  break 
came  on  the  afternoon  of  the  third  day's  fighting,  and  'Tom'  braved  again 
a  hundred  deaths  in  carrying  his  comrade  off  the  field.  All  through  the 

219 


Wilmington  Reunion,  1889. 

long  night  of  that  retreat  towards  Centreville  Heights  he  stayed  by  him 
trying  to  get  him  to  a  place  of  safety.  At  last  he  was  forced  to  rest  with 
him  by  the  roadside,  blocked  with  debris  of  all  kinds.  'Tom,'  spake  Bill, 
'let  me  lie  here  and  you  save  yourself.  You  can't  do  any  more  for  me. 
I  shall  die,  anyhow.'  Tom  wiped  the  great  beads  of  sweat  from  his  face, 
and  the  tears  from  his  eyes,  and  said :  'Bill,  if  there's  anybody  saved, 
there'll  be  two  of  us  or  none !'  and  with  the  daylight  he  trudged  up  the 
heights  of  Centreville  with  his  friend,  saved  from  death  or  a  Southern 
prison. 

"That  is  'loyalty,'  and  the  pledge  that  one  comrade  gives  to  another  in 
our  association. 

"I  knew  two  comrades  who  \vere  captured  and  taken  to  Andersonville. 
One  was  married,  the  other  single.  After  seven  long,  weary  months  the 
name  of  the  single  one  was  called  for  exchange.  He  had  stood  the  fearful 
tortures  of  that  'hell  on  earth'  better  than  his  comrade,  who  was  fast  fail 
ing,  and  if  he  remained  there  must  soon  die.  The  unmarried  one  compelled 
him  to  take  his  name  and  place  when  the  roll  for  exchange  was  called, 
and  thus  sent  him  back  to  life  and  liberty,  and  to  the  arms  of  his  wife  and 
companionship  of  his  baby  girl,  while  the  other  remained  to  suffer  and 
perhaps  die. 

"That  was  loyalty.  It  was  such  substitution  for  a  friend  as  Christ  on  the 
cross  exemplified  by  his  awful  death  to  save  humanity,  and  I  rejoice,  my 
comrades,  that  nearly  seven  hundred  thousand  of  us  still  remain  that  have 
learned  those  sweet  and  holy  loyalties,  so  closely  allied,  that  were  learned 
in  the  rude  school  of  war." 

The  Rev.  David  Tully,  chaplain  of  Bradbury  Post,  Media,  Pa., 
was  then  introduced,  and  said : 

"After  all  that  has  been  said  it  will  be  hard  for  any  one  of  us  chaplains 
to  find  anything  to  say.  I  believe  in  calling  things  by  their  right  names. 
When  a  person  fires  on  a  flag  of  his  country  he  is  a  traitor.  The  heresy 
of  State  rights  may  have  been  the  cause,  but  people  must  understand  that 
a  government  is  a  government.  That  was  what  the  Grand  Army  of  the 
Republic  fought  for.  All  the  great  rivers,  all  the  mountain  ranges  run 
North  and  South.  We  could  not  afford  to  allow  another  country  to  own 
the  mouths  of  all  the  rivers,  and  the  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic  saved 
them.  We  thank  you  for  the  welcome  we  have  received." 

Post  Chaplain  James  McCoy,  of  Dupont  Post,  followed  with  a 
short  address  replete  with  wit  and  humor.  He  simply  captured 
the  audience.  The  chaplain  made  a  tremendous  hit  in  blaming 
Governor  Biggs  for  one  great  omission  in  his  speech.  He  made 
the  strange  omission  (for  Governor  Biggs)  of  omitting  to  pay 
his  respects  to  the  ladies.  The  governor  seemed  taken  by 

220 


Wilmington  Reunion,  1889.  ' 

surprise.     The  incident  was  thoroughly  enjoyed  by  the  audience, 
and  none  laughed  louder  than  the  governor  himself. 

The  chaplain  continuing  said  :  "I  was  invited  to  address  you  to-day,  and 
was  told  it  would  be  well  to  prepare  myself.  1  said  I  would  gladly  say  a 
word  to  our  guests,  but  I  should  do  it  as  I  fought  the  Rebels,  from  the 
shoulder. 

"Brevet-Corporal  James  and  the  ladies  of  DuPont  Post  have  made  ample 
arrangements  for  appeasing  your  appetites,  which  by  this  time  must  be 
pretty  well  sharpened,  and  I  won't  detain  you.  But  we  shall  expect  yon 
to  charge  the  breastworks — of  chicken — as  bravely  as  you  fought  this  day 
twenty-seven  years  ago.'' 

The  last  speaker  was  Chaplain  Evans.  As  he  was  the  last 
speaker,  he  said  that  he  would  have  to  restrict  his  remarks  to  a 
general  expression  of  thanks  to  Dupont  Post,  the  State  of 
Delaware,  Governor  Biggs,  to  the  mayor  and  the  city  of  Wil 
mington,  and  the  hundreds  of  ladies  and  gentlemen  gathered  to 
honor  a  regiment  of  Pennsylvania  soldiers. 

Professor  Clowarcl  then  sang,  as  a  solo,  the  "Battle  Hymn  of 
the  Republic,"  the  "boys"  and  the  audience  uniting  in  the  chorus 
with  a  will  that  recalled  the  days  of  the  past,  when  the  grand 
anthem  sung  on  the  march  and  around  the  "watch-fires  of  a 
thousand  circling  camps"  stirred  the  hearts  of  men  "to  die  to 
make  men  free." 


FLAG   PRESENTATION. 

Reverend  David  Tully  appeared  on  the  stage  with  a  handsome 
new  silk  flag,  bearing,  in  gold  letters,  the  inscription  :  "From  the 
One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fourth  Pennsylvania  Regiment  to 
Du  Pont  Post,  No.  2,  Department  of  Delaware,  G.  A.  R.,"  In 
part,  he  said : 

Comrade;-  of  DuPont  Post : — You  have  overwhelmed  us  with  your 
kindness  to-day.  We  gratefully  accepted  your  invitation  to  hold  our 
reunion  with  you.  We  were  thankful  for  the  extended  courtesy — and  we 
felt  we  wanted  in  some  way  to  show  the  appreciation  of  your  fraternal 
spirit ;  to  leave  with  you  some  memento  of  the  occasion  that  you  could 
treasure. 

As  such,  we  have  had  prepared  the  beautiful  flag  which  I  have  the  honor 
to  be  delegated  to  present  to  you  to-day  on  behalf  of  the  survivors  of  the 
I24th  Regiment. 

221 


Wilmington  Reunion,  1889. 

What  more  appropriate  gift  could  we  bring  you?  We  are  sure  none 
would  be  more  highly  prized. 

Comrades,  you  represent  to-day  individually,  as  members  of  DuPont 
Post,  veterans  who  have  served  in  nearly  every  battle  of  the  war.  You  have 
known  what  it  is  to  follow  the  flag  to  victory  and  to  offer  up  your  lives  and 
limbs  in  its  defense.  You  have  seen  your  comrades  fall,  bleeding, 
wounded,  torn,  dying  and  dead,  under  its  folds. 

For  it  >ou  gave  up  home,  father,  mother,  wife,  children  and  sweetheart. 
Oh,  the  pain  of  those  partings  !  oh,  the  long  tedious  days  and  nights  of 
separation  !  oh,  the  suffering  and  deprivations  of  those  weary  years,  when  we 
made  of  disease  a  bed-fellow,  and  of  death  a  daily  companion  that  this  flag 
might  still  wave  over  a  united  people. 

Comrades,  you  love  this  flag.  We  all  love  this  flag.  It  stands  to-day 
for  all  that  men  love  best.  Under  its  folds  man  can  find  all  that  God 
designed  him  to  have.  It  stands  for  happy  homes  and  a  Christian  Sabbath, 
for  the  elevating  of  human  character,  for  all  that  is  good  and  noble,  brave 
and  pure. 

To-day  it  represents  a  nation  of  sixty-five  millions  of  people — a  united, 
happy  people;  and  these,  under  God,  o\ve  this  greatness  and  this  happiness 
to  the  sacrifices  made  by  men  such  as  are  represented  here  to-day  by  the 
Grand  Army  and  the  veterans  of  the  I24th  Regiment. 

And  so,  in  the  name  and  by  the  authority  of  the  124th  Regiment,  I 
present  you  this  flag.  I  need  not  urge  you  to  cherish  it.  Ere  long,  as  the 
years  roll  round  in  their  rapid  flight,  we  shall  be  mustered  out.  Life's 
battle  will  be  over.  Let  us  see  to  it,  comrades,  that  we  "fight  a  good  fight," 
and  then  beyond  the  darkness  of  death  we  shall  be  awakened  by  the 
reveille  of  a  glorious  morning. 

Post  Commander  Duffy  received  the  flag:  from  the  hands  of 
Chaplain  Tully,  and  said :  "On  behalf  of  Du  Pont  Post  I  ask 
our  friend,  Senator  Higgins,  to  respond  for  us."  Senator  Higgins 
in  part  said : 

"It  gives  me  great  pleasure  on  behalf  of  DuPont  Post  to  tender  the  vet 
erans  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fourth  Regiment  their  sincere  and 
hearty  thanks  for  this  beautiful  flag.  It  is  the  emblem  of  all  that  men  hold 
most  dear,  of  all  that  government  and  civilization  conserve,  of  the  security 
of  person  and  property,  of  morality  and  religion,  of  liberty  and  law.  It 
was  that,  flag  that  was  fired  on  at  Sumpter,  an  act  resented  by  the  gallant 
men,  some  of  whom  I  see  before  me. 

"There  was  but  one  war  in  all  history  as  worthy  as  the  war  in  which 
you  fought.  That  was  the  war  of  the  American  Revolution  that  secured 
the  independence  of  this  people.  As  .it  the  end  of  that  war  there  was  no 
one  to  gainsay  what  our  fathers  fought  for,  so  at  the  end  of  that  great 
conflict  which  shook  the  continent,  and  in  which  you  took  so  conspicuous 

222 


Wilmington  Reunion, 

and  so  honorable  a  part,  there  was  no  one  who  was  not  thankful  for  its 
result. 

The  Rebellion  was  precipitated  in  the  interests  of  slavery.  Indeed,  the 
Rebellion  was  slavery,  and  slavery  the  Rebellion.  But  you  will  to-day  look 
in  vain  throughout  the  entire  South  to  find  one  man  who  would  restore 
slavery,  or  who  is  not  profoundly  thankful  that  it  was  destroyed,  and 
that  the  Union  represented  by  that  flag  was  preserved. 

"That  flag  was  unfurled  by  the  order  of  George  Washington.  You 
fought  for  it  under  Abraham  Lincoln.  The  country  owes  the  men  who 
fought  for  it  a  debt  of  gratitude  that  can  never  be  repaid.  The  nation  will 
not  let  them  sink  into  a  pauper's  grave.  Their  path  will  be  smoothed  by 
the  Government's  bounty,  and  they  will  live  among  the  plaudits  of  their 
countrymen." 

The  remarks  of  Senator  Higgins  were  received  with  cheers 
by  the  boys  of  Du  Pont  Post. 

As  the  cheers  died  away,  Professor  Cloward  rang  out  the 
familiar  and  stirring  words  of  "Rally  Round  the  Flag,"  and 
beckoning  to  the  audience,  they  rose  to  their  feet,  and,  joining 
with  him  in  the  chorus,  made  the  welkin  ring  with  its  soul- 
stirring  and  patriotic  strains. 

The  audience  was  dismissed  with  a  benediction  by  the  Rev.  J. 
D.  C.  Hanna,  pastor  of  Asbury  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. 

At  the  conclusion  of  the  exercises  at  the  Opera  House,  the 
regiment  was  escorted  by  the  drum  corps  and  Du  Pont  Post  to 
the  Post  room,  at  Tenth  and  Market  streets. 

BUSINESS    MEETING. 

The  Association  was  called  to  order  by  Colonel  Hawley,  and 
after  prayer  by  Chaplain  Evans  the  secretary  announced  the 
following  as  having  answered  roll  call. 

STAFF. 

Colonel  Joseph  W.  Hawley,  Chaplain  Joseph  S.  Evans, 
Hospital  Steward  T.  Benton  Aitken,  and  Commissary  Sergeant 
W.  Pusey  West. 

COMPANY  A. 

Samuel  B.  Smiley,  Eli  H.  Baldwin,  Bernard  Hawley,  William 
H.  Harp,  Alfred  Mullen,  Charles  D.  Patterson,  Joseph  T.  Pierce, 

223 


Wilmington  Reunion,  1889. 

William  H.  H.  Pierce,  Charles  P.  Rushton,  Jacob  S.  Stott, 
William  Stamp,  George  J.  Steitler,  Henry  B.  Thompson,  Charles 
W.  Roberts. 

COMPANY    B. 

Ralph  Buckley,  John  B.  Silvey,  Charles  W.  Broadbent,  Jacob 
Barlow,  Edwin  Cooper,  Thomas  Chambers,  Charles  Creamer, 
Elmer  Edwards,  Gardner  Kelley,  Jesse  W.  Paist,  Edward  D. 
Sipler,  George  H.  Shillingford,  John  J.  Wilkinson. 

COMPANY  c. 

James  B.  Whitcraft,  William  C.  Dickey,  Jacob  Z.  Webb, 
George  G.  Taylor,  John  A.  Smith,  Richard  F.  Cowan,  David  E. 
Kirk,  John  A.  Leek,  John  R.  McFadden,  William  H.  Pierson, 
Lambdon  F.  Thomas,  W,  Harrison  Worth,  Robert  G.  Woodside. 

COMPANY    D. 

Norris  L.  Yarnall,  Joseph  Pratt,  C.  D.  M.  Broomhall,  J.  Frank 
Black,  Benjamin  Brooke,  Benjamin  T.  Green,  W.  Wayne 
Vogdes,  William  H.  Beatty,  William  T.  Innes,  Jr.,  John  F. 
Worrilow,  Joel  Hollingsworth,  Hunter  Brooke,  James  Cheetham, 
Lorenzo  F.  Davis,  Jesse  Darlington,  Jr.,  William  G.  Davidson, 
Harry  R.  Duey,  Anderson  Fielding,  John  L.  Grim,  William 
Gamble,  Edward  B.  Green,  John  H.  Henderson,  William  G. 
Howarth,  Brinton  J.  Heyburn,  John  D.  Howard,  Philip  R. 
Johnson,  George  D.  Miller,  Charles  Moore,  Pennell  Stackhouse, 
Stephen  T.  Smith,  Walker  Y.  Wells,  Charles  W.  Watkins, 
Henry  C.  Warburton. 

COMPANY    E. 

Edwin  Otley,  Richard  D.  Townsend,  Josiah  Burnett,  George 
F.  Baily,  Thomas  W.  Taylor,  Moses  M.  Brown,  Elias  W. 
Copeland,  David  Cox,  John  J.  Epright,  George  B.  Foreman, 
George  D.  Farra,  Ezekiel  R.  Griffith,  Joseph  W.  Hall,  Edward 
T.  Harlan,  Frederick  Ingram,  S.  S.  Johnson,  Davis  Moulder, 
Emmor  L.  Talley,  Joseph  B.  Taylor,  James  Wilson,  Davis  E. 
Townsend. 

COMPANY    T?. 

William  W.  Potts,  Thomas  T.  Smith,  William  Williams, 
Mifflin  W.  Bailey,  Reese  M.  Bailey,  John  S.  Baldwin,  William 

224 


Wilmington  Reunion,  1889. 

H.  Bush,  John  I.  Chalfant,  Charles  Daller,  Peter  Gamble, 
Michael  Lotighran,  Townsencl  A.  Mercer,  I.  Walton  Martin, 
James  McQlintock,  Samuel  Penniger,  David  C.  Windle,  Charles 
P.  Keech. 

COMPANY    G. 

Edward  F.  James,  Joseph  X.  Marshall,  John  W.  Crothers, 
Jacob  E.  James,  Gilpin  B.  Underwood,  William  Mendenhall,  J. 
Underwood,  Jr.,  William  D.  Webster,  Wilmer  Woods. 

COMPANY  H. 

Samuel  K.  Crozier,  William  Trainer,  Jr.,  James  C.  Hinkson, 
Charles  Bonsall,  Jr.,  Robert  Casey,  Jr.,  Robert  M.  Green, 
Benjamin  F.  Hirst,  Harvey  E.  Pierce,  Horatio  X.  Platt,  Isaac 
E.  Price,  Moses  Williams,  Samuel  W.  XTeeld. 

COMPANY    I. 

Joseph  B.  Hinkson,  Nicholas  Garrigan,  Lewis  T.  Johnson, 
Enos  W.  Ross. 

COMPANY    K. 

\Villiam  Wr.  Stott,  Henry  C.  Wells,  Lewis  Wilson,  Enos  C. 
Baker,  Joseph  C.  Freel,  John  T.  Garrett,  David  E.  Gordon, 
George  Harkins,  John  Judge,  William  Kane,  Milton  McFadden, 
Elisha  H.  Newlin. 

Chaplain  Evans  then  offered  the  following  report: 

To  the  Officers  and  Members  of  five  Association  of  the  Survivors  of  the 
1 24th  Regiment,  P.  V .: 

COMRADES  :  Your  Committee  on  Obituaries,  appointed  at  our  last  reunion, 
held  at  Chester,  Delaware  County,  Pa.,  beg  leave  to  submit  the  following: 

SECOND  LIEUTENANT  JOHN   A.   GROFF. 

Was  mustered  into  Company  A,  I24th  Regiment,  Pennsylvania  Volun 
teers,  August  8,  1862,  as  Sergeant.  On  October  20,  1862,  was  promoted  to 
the  rank  of  First  Sergeant,  and  on  February  2,  1863,  to  Second  Lieutenant. 

He  served  faithfully  and  honorably  for  the  full  term  of  his  enlistment, 
and  was  honorably  mustered  out  with  his  regiment,  May  17,  1863,  by 
reason  of  expiration  of  term  of  service. 

Comrade  Groff  being  left  at  a  tender  age  an  orphan,  by  the  death   of 

15  225 


Wilmington  Reunion,  1889.. 

his  father,  was  compelled  by  force  of  circumstances  to  seek  his  own 
living.  He  spent  several  years  of  his  early  life  with  an  honored  member  of 
the  Society  of  Friends,  Norris  Maris,  near  Chester  Springs,  Pa.  While 
there  he  acquired  an  education  which  fitted  him  for  places  of  honor  and 
usefulness  in  after  life. 

Notwithstanding  the  peculiar  influences  which  surrounded  his  early  life, 
which  were  of  a  non-combative  character,  his  heart  was  fired  by  a  spirit  of 
patriotism  when  the  flag  of  his  country  was  fired  upon  by  rebel  traitors. 
These  impulses  led  him  to  enlist  in  defense  of  that  dear  old  flag. 

After  the  close  of  the  war  he  became  a  teacher  in  the  Soldiers'  Orphans' 
School,  at  Chester  Springs,  near  his  old  home.  He  did  faithful  service  in 
this  capacity  to  those  whom  the  dead,  who  had  sacrificed  their  lives  in  the 
same  holy  cause  in  which  he  had  served,  had  left  to  the  care  and  protection 
of  the  living,  until  in  1869,  he  was  elected  to  the  office  of  Recorder  of 
Deeds  of  Chester  County,  Pennsylvania,  which  office  he  filled  with  honor 
and  credit.  At  the  close  of  his  term  of  office,  feeling  he  must  seek  a 
broader  field  for  his  talents  and  energies,  he  entered  upon  the  study  of  law 
in  the  office  of  the  late  lamented  Hon.  Judge  Futhey. 

After  his  admission  to  the  bar  of  the  courts  of  Chester  County  he  con 
tinued  in  practice  in  his  chosen  profession  up  to  the  time  of  his  death. 

Comrade  Groff  ever  had  a  warm  place  in  his  heart  for  the  soldiers' 
orphans.  He  paid  frequent  visits  to  his  former  school  at  Chester  Springs 
Invariably  on  each  succeeding  Fourth  of  July,  as  the  years  passed  away, 
he  \vould  gather  about  him  some  of  his  old  comrades  of  the  war,  and, 
with  a  generous  supply  of  fireworks,  would  proceed  on  the  evening  of  that 
day  to  the  school,  and  there  have  his  ow:n  heart  rejuvenated  and  made 
glad  at  the  manifestations  of  delight  and  true  enjoyment  by  the  children. 

Comrade  Groff,  after  a  painful  and  lingering  illness,  died  in  the  borough 
of  West  Chester,  Pennsylvania,  on  December  13,  1887.  His  remains, 
accompanied  by  a  number  of  his  late  comrades  in  arms  and  his  relatives 
and  friends,  were  interred  in  Fernwood  Cemetery,  Delaware  County,  Pa. 

SERGEANT  JOHN  MIDDLETON  CLAYTON. 

Was  mustered  in  as  First  Sergeant  of  Company  H,  I24th  Regiment, 
Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  on  August  9,  1862.  He  served  honorably  and 
faithfully  in  this  capacity  until  the  end  of  his  term  of  enlistment.  He 
was  mustered  out  with  his  company,  on  May  16,  1863,  by  reason  of  expira 
tion  of  term  of  service. 

He  was  born  in  Bethel,  Delaware  County,  Pa.,  October  13,  1840.  His 
father,  John  Clayton,  was  an  earnest  Whig,  and  was  a  delegate  to  the 
National  convention  that  nominated  General  Harrison  in  1840.  During  that 
most  remarkable  campaign  the  twin  brothers  John  and  William  were  born. 
William  was  named  after  the  President  and  John  after  the  Vice-President. 
Their  names  as  recorded  in  the  family  Bible  wTere  William  Henry  Harrison 
Clayton  and  John  Tyler  Clayton.  After  Tyler's  treachery  and  desertion  to 
the  Democrats,  a  family  counsel  was  called  and  the  name  "Tyler"  was 

226 


U'iiinington   Reunion,  i88y. 

stricken  out  of  John's  name  and  the  name  of  "Middleton"  substituted. 
The  intention  was  that  instead  of  being  named  after  Vice- President  Tyler, 
he  should  be  named  after  Hon.  John  M.  Clayton,  then  U.  S.  Senator  for 
Delaware.  John  had  a  good  English  education,  and  was  also  a  fair  Latin 
scholar.  He  was  remarkable  for  his  gentle  but  firm  disposition.  He  had 
perfect  control  of  his  passions,  and  was  never  known  to  speak  loud  or  lose 
his  temper.  He  was  a  forcible  debater  and  a  good  public  speaker.  He 
was,  from  his  youth,  a  consistent  member  of  the  M.  E.  Church  and  stood 
high  in  the  Masonic  Fraternity.  After  the  termination  of  the  war,  at 
the  suggestion  of  his  brother,  General  Powell  Clayton,  he  removed  to 
Arkansas  and  became  extensively  engaged  in  planting  cotton  in  Jefferson 
County,  near  Pine  Bluff.  He  soon  took  a  prominent  position  in  public 
affairs.  He  served  with  credit  in  the  Legislature  of  the  State,  and  was 
five  times  elected  sheriff  of  Jefferson  County.  At  the  earnest  solicitation 
of  his  political  friends  he  consented  to  become  a  candidate  for  Congress 
from  the  Second  District  of  Arkansas,  and  was  regularly  nominated  for 
office,  his  Democratic  competitor  being  Hon.  R.  C.  Breckinridge.  Soon 
after  the  polls  had  closed  it  was  conceded  that  he  had  been  elected  by  a 
majority  too  large  to  be  overcome  by  a  fraudulent  manipulation  of  the 
counting  officers.  To  overcome  the  difficulty  it  was  necessary  to  throw 
out  the  entire  vote  of  the  county  of  Conway,  where  he  had  his  greatest  fol 
lowing.  While  the  officers  of  this  county  were  preparing  their  return,  a 
party  of  masked  and  armed  men  entered  the  room,  captured  the  ballots  and 
all  papers  and  burned  them  in  the  public  highway.  Notwithstanding  this 
outrage  and  the  fraudulent  tampering  with  the  returns  in  other  districts, 
Mr.  Breckinridge's  majority  was  only  a  few  hundred.  Clayton's  friends 
insisted  upon  a  contest  for  the  purpose  of  exposing  the  disgraceful  frauds, 
and  although  warned  that  his  life  would  be  the  price  of  the  contest,  he 
determined  to  prosecute  it.  While  taking  depositions  at  PlummersviHe 
on  the  evening  of  January  29,  1889,  he  was  assassinated  by  being  shot 
through  the  window  where  he  was  seated  conversing  with  a  friend.  A 
full  charge  of  buck  shot  was  fired  into  his  head  and  neck,  causing  instant 
death. 

To  the  disgrace  of  the  State  of  Arkansas,  the  perpetrators  of  this  crime, 
although  well  known,  have  not  been  brought  to  justice,  and  in  all  probability 
never  will  be.  Socially  John  M.  Clayton  had  no  enemies  in  Arkansas; 
his  assassination  was  the  outcome  of  a  purely  political  conspiracy. 

Upon  his  father's  side  John  M.  Clayton  was  descended  from  the  same 
common  ancestor  as  the  one  for  whom  he  was  named,  Hon.  John  M. 
Clayton,  of  Delaware.  His  mother  was  a  blood  relation  of  Commodore 
Decatur ;  she  left  four  sons,  Thomas  J.  Clayton,  President  Judge  of  the 
Thirty-second  District  of  Pennsylvania ;  General  Powell  Clayton,  late 
Governor  and  U.  S.  Senator  from  Arkansas,  and  Judge  William  W.  H. 
Clayton,  at  present  U.  S.  Attorney  at  Fort  Smith,  Ark.,  he  having  resigned 
his  office  of  Judge  to  accept  his  present  appointment.  He  was  also  a  mem 
ber  of  Company  H,  I24th  Regt.,  Pa.  Vols. 

227 


Wilmington  Reunion,  1889. 

DAVID  F.   HOUSTON. 

Was  mustered  into  Company  F,  I24th  Regiment,  Pennsylvania  Volun 
teers,  on  Augifst  u,  1862.  He  served  faithfully  in  the  capacity  of  private 
for  the  full  term  of  enlistment,  and  \vas  honorably  mustered  out  with  the 
surviving  members  of  his  regiment  on  May  16,  1863,  by  reason  of  expiration 
of  term  of  service. 

Comrade  Houston,  who  was  present  at  our  reunion  held  in  the  city  of 
Chester,  one  year  ago,  and  who  was  at  that  time  appointed  chairman  of  a 
committee  to  consider  the  propriety  of  making  an  effort  to  erect  a 
memorial  tablet  on  the  Antietam  battlefield,  was  the  very  picture  of  health 
and  happiness.  He  was  a  man  of  fine  physique,  and  possessed  of  remark 
able  traits  of  mind  and  character,  which  fitted  him  in  an  eminent  degree 
for  places  of  honor  and  usefulness  among  his  fellows.  After  the  close  of 
the  war  he  held  several  responsible  positions  at  different  periods  in  the 
Government  service,  which  he  filled  with  honor  and  integrity. 

Possessed  of  rare  business  qualifications,  he  was  called  and  chosen  to  fill 
many  positions  in  business  circles  and  places  of  trust  in  his  native  State, 
and  at  the  time  of  his  death  he  stood  at  the  head  of  vast  iron  and  coal 
interests  in  the  town  of  Roanoke,  Virginia,  which  place  he  had  chosen  and 
occupied  as  his  residence  for  some  years  past.  He  at  one  time  filled  the 
position  of  councilman  of  the  borough  of  Roanoke,  and  was  chosen  the 
first  president  of  the  new  City  Council  of  Roanoke  in  1885. 

So  genial  wras  his  character,  and  so  conspicuous  his  varied  talents,  that 
he  was  chosen  in  the  autumn  of  1887  to  occupy  a  position  as  a  legislator  in 
the  Senate  of  the  great  State  of  Virginia,  in  a  district  that  strongly 
opposed  him  in  political  faith,  which  position  he  honorably  filled  to  the 
day  of  his  lamented  death. 

Comrade  Houston  was  fatally  injured  by  a  fall  upon  the  ice  as  he  was 
about  to  enter  the  door  of  his  brother's  home,  in  the  city  of  Lancaster, 
Pennsylvania,  where  he  was  visiting  on  Saturday,  February  16,  1889,  from 
which  injury  he  died  in  a  few  moments  after  entering  the  house. 

His  remains,  attended  by  a  large  concourse  of  relatives  and  loving 
friends,  were  interred  in  the  cemetery  at  Upper  Octoraro  Church,  Lancaster 
County,  Pennsylvania,  beside  the  grave  of  his  mother,  on  Wednesday, 
February  20,  1889.  Comrade  Houston  was  born  in  Colerain,  Lancaster 
County,  Pa.,  July  16,  1843.  He  was  in  his  forty-sixth  year  at  the  date  of 
his  untimely  death. 

LEWIS  FARRA. 

Was  mustered  into  Company  A,  I24th  Regiment,  Pennsylvania  Volun 
teers,  on  August  13,  1862.  He  served  faithfully  as  a  good  soldier  through 
out  the  entire  term  for  which  he  enlisted,  and  was  mustered  out  with  his 
company,  May  17,  1863,  by  reason  of  expiration  of  term  of  enlistment. 

Comrade  Farra  was  a  man  of  genial  disposition,  and  made  friends 
wherever  he  w7as  known.  After  the  war  he  engaged  in  his  chosen  occupa 
tion  of  blacksmithing.  He  was  thus  engaged  when  his  last  sickness,  which 
resulted  in  his  death,  overtook  him. 

228 


Wilmington  Reunion,  i88y. 

He  was  present  at  our  reunion  at  Chester,  Pennsylvania,  last  year.  He 
always  manifested  a  warm  interest  in  the  affairs  of  our  organization.  His 
death  was  the  more  to  be  lamented  from  the  fact  that  he  left  a  widow  and 
several  children  who  were  dependent  upon  his  efforts  for  su'pport. 

His  death  took  place  May  24,  1889.  His  remains  were  accompanied  to 
their  last  resting  place  in  Greenmount  Cemetery,  West  Chester,  by  a  detail 
from  General  George  A.  McCall  Post,  No.  31,  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic, 
Department  of  Pennsylvania,  of  which  he  was  an  honored  member  at  the 
time  of  his  death.  He  was  born  April  26,  1841,  and  was  in  the  forty-ninth 
year  of  his  age  at  the  time  of  his  death. 

FIRST  SERGEANT  JAMES  H.  NAYLOR. 

Was  mustered  into  Company  G,  I24th  Regiment,  Pennsylvania 'Volun 
teers,  on  August  12,  1862.  He  served  faithfully  and  effectively  in  his  posi 
tion  during  the  whole  period  of  the  regiment's  service,  and  was  mustered 
out  with  his  company,  on  May  16,  1863,  by  reason  of  expiration  of  term  of 
service. 

Comrade  Naylor  was  a  man  of  uncommon  firmness  of  conviction.  When 
his  mind  was  satisfied  that  a  thing  was  right  nothing  could  move  him 
from  that  conviction.  He  was  an  exemplary  citizen,  an  honest  and  indus- 
.trious  tradesman,  and  could  be  depended  upon  to  fulfill  any  engagement 
that  he  might  enter  into.  He  was  for  many  years  a  contracting  plasterer, 
and  was  much  sought  after  in  that  line  by  those  who  knew  him. 

His  death  occurred  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  on  February  5,  1889.  His 
remains,  attended  by  a  delegation  of  General  George  A.  McCall  Post,  No. 
31,  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic,  Department  of  Pennsylvania,  were 
interred  in  Greenmount  Cemetery,  West  Chester,  Pennsylvania,  on  Feb 
ruary  8,  1889. 

LIEUTENANT  JOSEPH  G.  CUMMINS. 

Was  mustered  in  as  first  sergeant  of  Company  D,  I24th  Regiment, 
Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  on  August  9,  1862,  and  was  promoted  to  second 
lieutenant  of  same  company,  August  16,  1862.  He  served  faithfully  and 
effectively  with  his  regiment  during  the  term  of  its  enlistment.  While  in 
Virginia  he  acted  as  quartermaster  of  the  regiment  in  October  and 
November  of  1862.  He  was  mustered  out  with  his  company  on  May  16, 
1863,  by  reason  of  expiration  of  term  of  service. 

Shortly  after  his  return  from  the  arm}-  he  was  appointed  Deputy  Provost 
Marshal  for  the  counties  of  Chester  and  Delaware,  which  position  he  held 
with  honor  until  about  the  beginning  of  the  year  1865. 

He  was  postmaster  of  the  borough  of  Media,  Delaware  County,  under  the 
administration  of  President  Andrew  Johnson,  for  about  three  years. 

Comrade  Cummins  was  a  man  of  genial  disposition,  of  correct  business 
habits,  and  unflinching  integrity  of  character. 

Up  to  within  about  one  year  of  his  lamented  death  he  was  engaged  in 
the  stationery  and  news  agency  business,  in  the  borough  of  Media.  He 

229 


Wilmington  Reunion,  1889. 

relinquished  business  on  account  of  failing  health,  and  died  at  his  home  of 
pulmonary  consumption,  on  December  i,  1887.  He  left  a  widow  and  four 
children  to  mourn  his  loss.  His  remains,  attended  by  a  large  concourse  of 
relatives  and  friends,  and  by  the  members  of  Bradbury  Post,  No.  140, 
Grand  Army  of  the  Republic,  Department  of  Pennsylvania,  of  which  he 
was  a  member,  were  interred  in  Media  Cemetery,  Delaware  County,  Penn 
sylvania,  on  December  4,  1887. 

JOSEPH    S.    EVANS, 
ROBERT  M.  GREEN, 

Committee. 

Committee  to  Secure  Ground  for  Tablet  on  Antietam  Battle 
field  reported  having  written  to  the  party  owning  the  desired 
site,  but  received  no  reply.  The  committee,  on  motion,  was 
discharged. 

Nominations  of  officers  being  in  order,  the  following  were 
elected : 

President,  Colonel  Joseph  W.  Hawley. 

Vice-president,  Captain  Charles  W.  Roberts. 

Secretary,  Charles  P.  Keech. 

Treasurer,  Joel  Rollings  worth. 

The  following  places  were  named  for  meeting  in  1890: 
Oxford,  Coatesville,  Media,  Conshohocken,  and  West  Chester. 

On  vote  being  taken,  Oxford  was  unanimously  named. 

On  motion  of  Comrade  Harry  Thompson,  each  member  was 
requested  to  notify  the  secretary  of  his  post  office  address,  with 
such  other  addresses  of  members  of  the  regiment  as  they  might 
know  of,  also  the  date  of  death  and  place  of  burial  of  all  deceased 
members. 

On  motion  of  Robert  M.  Green,  the  president  was  authorized 
to  appoint  a  Tablet  Committee. 

The  president  made  the  following  appointments : 

Chaplain,  Rev.  Joseph  S.  Evans. 

Historian,  C.  D.  M.  Broomhall. 

Committee  on  Obituary :  Joseph  S.  Evans,  Thomas  T.  Smith, 
Robert  M.  Green. 

Committee  on  Tablet :  Robert  M.  Green,  Company  H ; 
Captain  Charles  W.  Roberts,  Company  A;  Lieutenant  Ralph 
Buckley,  Company  B ;  Lieutenant  William  C.  Dickey,  Company 

230 


Wilmington  Reunion,  1889. 

C ;  Colonel  Benjamin  Brooke,  Company  D ;  Thomas  W.  Taylor, 
Company  E ;  Charles  P.  Keech,  Company  F ;  Captain  Edward  F. 
James,  Company  G ;  Joseph  Hinkson,  Company  I ;  Captain  W. 
W.  Stott,  Company  K. 

AT  THE  BANQUET. 

At  the  conclusion  of  the  business  session,  at  2.30  o'clock,  the 
regiment,  escorted  by  Du  Pont  Post  and  its  fife  and  drum  corps, 
proceeded  to  the  banquet  in  Institute  Hall,  where  they  were 
joined  by  a  host  of  invited  guests,  who  had  been  escorted  from 
Judge  J.  Frank  Ball's  office  by  the  Reception  Committee. 

The  hall  was  set  with  six  long  tables,  five  of  which  extended 
east  and  west  and  one  north  and  south.  All  were  handsomely 
decorated,  and  the  food  and  choice  morsels  with  which  they  were 
loaded  delighted  the  appetite. 

Captain  Edward  F.  James,  chairman  of  the  Reception  Com 
mittee,  presided.  At  his  right  were  Colonel  Joseph  W.  Hawley, 
Judge  John  M.  Broomall,  Senator  Higgins,  George  H.  Bates, 
Washington  Jones,  Rev.  L.  E.  Barrett,  Judge  Ball,  Rev.  David 
Tully,  F.  Eden  Bach,  Rev.  Joseph  S.  Evans,  and  Captain  J.  W. 
De  Witt.  On  the  left  were  Governor  Biggs,  City  Auditor  Newell, 
Colonel  Layfield,  Department  Commander  Ayars,  Post  Com 
mander  Duffy,  Chaplain  McCoy,  President  of  Wilmington 
Council,  Mr.  Farra,  and  Colonel  Norton.  Fully  500  people 
attended  the  banquet. 

REMARKS  OF  JOSEPH  AD.  THOMPSON. 

Joseph  Ad.  Thompson,  editor  of  the  Chester  Evening  News, 
being  called  upon,  said,  substantially : 

"I  did  not  expect  to  be  called  on  for  a  speech  on  this  occasion,  and  I  will 
commence  by  saying  I  am  both  surprised  and  delighted — surprised  that  I 
should  have  the  honor  of  making  a  little  after  dinner  speech,  and  delighted 
with  the  grand  ovation  you  have  given  the  I24th  Regiment.  It  is  a  rousing 
reception,  such  as  we  have  never  before  realized,  and  you  have  overwhelmed 
us  with  your  magnificent  welcome.  It  is  a  genuine,  substantial,  cordial 
welcome  all  along  the  line,  and  it  does  credit  to  your  State,  your  city  and 
all  your  people. 

"We  are  not  used  to  such  marked  attentions,  and  that  must  excuse  us  for 
our  awkwardness  in  acknowledging  them,  hut  I  assure  you  if  you  could 
look  into  our  hearts  you  would  discover  that  you  had  struck  the  hull's  eye 

231 


Wilmington  Reunion,  1889. 

of  onr  gratitude.  When  it  was  proposed  to  hold  this  reunion  in  another 
State  I  thought  it  was  a  mistake,  for  I  imagined  you  would  say,  as  we 
marched  along  your  streets,  'What  do  these  Pennsylvania  Dutchmen  want 
in  Delaware?'  and  that  you  would  give  us  a  slice  of  cold  shoulder.  But 
I  was  mistaken — very  much  mistaken,  for  I  find  that  the  farther  we  go 
from  home  the  better  they  like  us,  and  on  that  theory  I  favor  Baltimore 
or  Richmond  for  a  future  occasion. 

"Why,  Mr.  Chairman,  when  we  came  here  this  morning,  we  found  all 
Wilmington  waiting  to  receive  us,  with  a  big  slice  of  the  State  as  an  annex. 
The  streets  were  decorated  with  National  bunting,  and  between  the  red  and 
white  stripes  was  the  warm  word  of  welcome.  The  mayor  of  your  beauti 
ful  and  prosperous  city  and  the  members  of  the  City  Council  gave  us  greet 
ing  to  the  city,  and  your  Governor  gave  us  the  whole  Commonwealth  for 
the  day.  The  Grand  Army  boys  touched  elbow  and  gave  fraternal  greeting, 
and  the  people  on  the  sidewalks  and  at  the  windows  all  said  'Welcome  T 

"If  the  President  of  the  United  States  had  come  here,  I  do  not  believe  he 
would  have  had  such  a  reception  as  we  are  having.  No,  sir.  we  don't 
get  such  receptions  at  home.  When  we  meet  up  there  it  does  not  cause  a 
ripple.  They  don't  turn  out  and  make  it  lively  as  you  do.  They  don't  drape 
their  houses  with  bunting  as  you  do.  Why,  there  is  nothing  there  to  show 
we  are  coming — no  bunting,  not  even  a  shirt-tail  waving  in  the  breeze. 

"That  scene  at  the  Opera  House  was  a  grand  one.  The  whole  proceed 
ings  were  warm  and  enthusiastic.  The  Governor,  who  sits  on  your  right, 
made  a  rattling  speech,  and  it  did  the  boys  good.  I  did  not  believe  there 
was  so  much  fire  in  the  old  gentleman.  And  this  banquet !  Look  at  it, 
with  its  long  tables  filled  with  delicacies,  and  surrounded  with  more  than 
five  hundred  happy  people,  provided  by  the  generosity  of  the  citizens  and 
served  by  beautiful  girls  and  comely  women.  And  all  this  without  money 
and  without  price. 

"I  cannot  do  justice  to  the  occasion.  I  am  thrice  full — full  of  astonish 
ment,  of  gratitude  and  dinner.  Isn't  that  a  happy  trinity?  1  can  find  no 
words  to  thank  yon  for  this  reception.  It  is  beyond  cold  paragraphs,  but 
I  do  assure  you  we  appreciate  it,  and  thank  you,  one  and  all.  Some  day 
it  may  be  our  privilege  to  make  a  return  for  all  this,  and  while  we  should 
not  be  able  to  do  so  in  the  princely  style  you  have  shown,  wre  will  do 
our  best  to  show  our  remembrance  of  this  pleasant  occasion.  We  shall 
leave  you  with  the  reflection  that  you  have  made  this  reunion  the  best 
one  in  our  history.  God  bless  you  all." 

Hon.  George  H.  Bates  was  called  upon,  and  said : 

Mr.  Chairman  :  It  would  be  much  more  agreeable  for  me  to  hear  others 
than  to  speak  myself  upon  this  occasion,  but  I  certainly  do  not  regret  the 
opportunity  which  is  afforded  me  to  express  the  pleasure  which  it  has 
given  me  to  meet  the  members  of  the  I24th  Regiment  under  such  propitious 
circumstances. 

232 


Wilmington  Reunion,  1889. 

I  hope  that  Wilmington  is  entitled  to  be  characterized  as. a  city  given  to 
hospitality  under  any  circumstances,  but  our  near  neighbors  of  Chester 
and  Delaware  Counties  are  always  expected  to  feel  themselves  especially 
at  home  here.  We  have  so  many  interests  in  common,  and  there  are  so 
many  ties  which  bind  our  people  together,  that  I  hope  it  is  impossible  for 
you  to  feel  yourselves  strangers  here  upon  this,  or  any  other  occasion. 

Inasmuch  as  no  special  sentiment  has  been  assigned  to  me  1  feel  at 
liberty  to  select  my  own ;  and  it  is  suggested  by  the  unusual  oppor 
tunity  which  I  have  had  during  the  past  summer  to  observe  the 
working  of  the  system  of  keeping  large  standing  armies  for  maintenance 
of  the  peace.  During  two  months  that  I  spent  in  the  capital  of  the 
German  Empire,  which  claims  to  have,  at  this  time,  the  strongest  and 
best  disciplined  army  in  Europe,  my  mind  was  constantly  drawn  to  the 
radical  difference  between  our  system  and  theirs,  and  I  am  free  to  say  that 
the  result  of  my  observation  is,  that  for  a  Republic  the  system  which 
we  have  adopted  is  the  one  which  affords  the  greatest  security  for  the 
future.  Their  system  is  to  withdraw  from  the  occupations  of  peace  a 
very  large  proportion  of  their  able-bodied  men  to  constitute  a  standing 
army  of  immense  proportions.  Our  system  is  to  maintain  a  small  standing 
army  to  serve  the  purpose,  in  case  of  war,  of  furnishing  trained  officers 
for  the  prompt  organization  of  a  large  volunteer  force.  This  system  has 
in  this  country  already  been  subjected  to  a  severe  trial,  and  you  who 
stand  before  me,  most  of  you  veterans  of  the  late  war,  are  living  witnesses 
of  the  successful  result  of  that  trial. 

During  my  recent  visit  to  Berlin  we  were  invited  to  witness  the  blessing 
of  a  flag  and  its  presentation  by  the  Emperor  to  the  regiment  of  which  he 
had  been  Colonel  before  he  came  to  the  throne.  The  religious  ceremonies 
of  blessing  the  flag  took  place  in  the  great  hall  of  the  old  palace  of 
Frederick  the  Great,  at  Potsdam,  in  the  presence  of  all  the  high  officers  of 
the  German  Army  and  Navy  and  also  of  the  royal  family.  After  the 
prayer  and  an  address  by  the  clergyman  we  proceeded  to  the  parade 
grounds  where,  awaiting  the  Emperor,  the  regiment  stood  at  parade  rest 
three  thousand  strong. 

There  was  present,  as  a  spectator,  an  enthusiastic  American,  who  was 
asked  by  one  of  the  Germans  present  if  we  had  anything  like  those  splendid 
troops  in  America.  Determined  not  to  lower  the  American  flag  on  that 
occasion,  he  responded:  "Oh,  yes;  we  have  millions  of  them,  and  after  the 
late  war  I  saw  them  take  nearly  a  week  to  pass  in  review."  This  boastful 
remark  that  we  have  in  this  country  an  army  of  millions  was  not,  after  all, 
so  far  from  the /truth.  By  virtue  of  our  admirable  militia  system,  which, 
owing  largely  to  the  interest  taken  in  it  by  our  present  Governor,  has  been 
developed  to  most  excellent  results  in  our  own  State,  we  have  always 
available  an  immense  body  of  men  which  the  quickness  of  resource  of  our 
people  could,  in  a  week  or  a  month,  transform  into  an  efficient  and  well- 
disciplined  army,  to  which  I  would  not  hesitate  to  trust  the  defense  of  our 
flag  either  against  sedition  at  home  or  aggression  from  abroad.  The 

233 


Wilmington  Reunion,  1889. 

patriotic  spirit  and  the  natural  capacity  to  deal  with  emergencies^'which 
have  always  distinguished  our  people,  will  be  found  in  the  future,  as  in  the 
past,  equal  to  any  and  every  demand  which  may  be  made  upon  them.  It 
is  because  of  the  necessity  of  our  relying  upon  these  characteristics  that  I 
welcome  the  recurrence  of  occasions  like  this,  the  tendency  of  which  is  to 
encourage  the  maintenance  of  these  organizations,  to  which  we  may  be 
obliged  to  look  at  any  time  for  protection  and  defense. 

Let  us  then  look  with  indifference  upon  the  mailed  hosts  which  Europe 
requires  to  keep  the  peace,  and  for  ourselves,  continue  to  rely  upon  the  citi 
zen-soldier,  in  time  of  peace ;  engaged  in  the  arts  of  peace  and  contributing 
to  the  aggregate  wealth  of  the  nation,  but  ready,  at  any  moment,  to  respond 
to  a  call  to  arms  from  the  government,  and  to  rally  to  the  defense  of  the 
flag  of  his  country. 

Captain  Albert  Magnin,  of  the  99th  Pennsylvania  Volunteers, 
a  visitor  with  the  I24th  Regiment,  was  called  on,  and  spoke 
in  part  as  follows : 

Mr.  Toastmaster  and  Comrades  :  The  hour  is  late  for  me  to  attempt  a 
speech.  We  are  getting  too  old  to  stay  out  very  late  at  nights.  The  time 
was  when  we  were  expected  to  stay  up  late  and  get  up  very  early  in  the 
morning,  or  be  routed  out  by  a  shell  or  solid  shot.  However,  those  days  are 
over,  and  their  memory  alone  remains ;  and  in  the  retrospect  we  believe 
the  North  is  better  for  the  war.  The  North  needed  the  discipline  of  vic 
tory.  The  South  is  better  for  it;  the  South  needed  the  discipline  of 
defeat.  We  have  tears  for  the  fallen  and  for  those  who  mourn  them  still ; 
and  we  have  sympathy  for  our  comrades  who  go  through  life  suffering 
and  under  disadvantages  on  account  of  their  wounds.  No  man  except  he 
who  has  been  compelled  to  undergo  it  can  imagine  what  it  is  to  have  lost 
a  limb ;  and  my  old  comrade  Captain  Avars,  your  Department  Commander, 
with  whom  I  served  four  years  during  the  war,  said  to  me  that  there  is 
scarcely  a  moment  but  that  he  suffers  pain  from  the  loss  of  his  arm,  and 
I  have  to  say  that  when  the  Department  of  Delaware,  Grand  Army  of 
the  Republic,  elected  and  honored  Captain  Peter  B.  Ayars  by  making  him 
their  Department  Commander,  they  honored  themselves,  because  he  came 
from  the  ranks,  from  the  boys,  won  his  way  up  and  secured  his  promotion 
by  courage  and  bravery  on  almost  every  battlefield  in  which  the  Army 
of  the  Potomac  was  engaged.  I  am  glad  to  be  with  you  to-day  to  witness 
the  loyalty  of  your  people,  their  warm  greeting,  and  to  hear  words  of 
encouragement  spoken  everywhere.  It  is  a  kind  of  reunion1  we  do  not  often 
witness,  and  makes  us  feel  good  to  know  that  we  are  yet  remembered  and 
appreciated.  The  men  who  bore  the  brunt  of  the  war  for  the  preservation 
of  the  Union  and  lifted  the  ''Old  Flag"  above  the  clouds,  so  that  the 
nations  of  the  earth  could  see  and  be  impressed  with  the  truth  that  we 
were  a  nation  of  giants  and  could  govern  ourselves,  sent  a  ray  of  light  and 
a  benediction  to  every  enslaved  people  on  the  face  of  the  earth  ;  and  I 

234 


Wihningion  Reunion,  1889. 

believe  this  Republic  that  we  have  saved  will  yet  attend  the  funeral  of 
every  monarchy,  and  the  burial  of  every  governmental  despotism  under  the 
skies  of  God. 

Governor  Biggs  being  called  on,  made  a  most  humorous  and 
happy  speech.  It  is  impossible  to  give  a  correct  rendition  of  it. 
It  was  replete  with  wit  and  humor,  happy  hits,  and  timely  his 
torical  references.  The  Governor  ably  defended  himself  from 
the  charge  made  by  Chaplain  McCoy,  in  the  Opera  House,  of 
a  want  of  gallantry  to  the  ladies. 

Department  Commander  Ayars  offered  the  following  resolu 
tion  : 

Resolved,  That  our  thanks  and  three  rousing  cheers  be  tendered  to 
Captain  Edward  F.  James,  the  chairman  of  the  Committee  of  Arrangements. 

The  resolution  was  unanimously  adopted,  and  the  cheers  and 
a  ''tiger"  given  with  a  will. 

In  response  to  a  chorus  of  calls,  Captain  James  responded  : 

"Comrades  :  If  'brevity  is  the  soul  of  wit/  my  speech  will  be  witty.  I 
thank  yon  most  heartily  for  the  words  of  commendation  which  yon  have  so 
generously  expressed  in  the  resolution  just  passed.  I  thank  you  for  the 
endorsement  of  those  cheers,  and  particularly  the  'tiger.' 

"If  I  were  to  attempt  to  give  expressions  to  my  feelings,  I  could  do  no 
better  than  to  echo  an  expression  Colonel  Hawley  made  use  of  in  my 
presence  this  morning :  'This  is  one  of  the  proudest  and  happiest  days  of 
my  life.' 

"I  will  not  attempt  to  deny  that  I  have  labored  hard  and  made  some 
sacrifices  to  render  this  reception  a  success.  But  it  has  been  a  labor  of 
love.  I  am  repaid  a  thousandfold  by  the  expressions  of  gratitude  and 
pleasure  which  have  met  me  on  every  side  from  my  comrades  of  the  I24th. 

"But  let  me  not  magnify  my  office  or  my  service.  I  have  been  but  a 
small  factor  in  the  success  which  has  crowned  the  labors  incident  to  this 
day. 

"To  DuPont  Post  as  a  body,  whose  membership  so  generously  and 
enthusiastically  entered  into  and  supported  every  effort  put  forth  to  make 
this  reception  worthy  of  the  occasion,  to  my  colleagues  of  the  Committee 
of  Arrangements,  every  one  of  whom  worked  with  "a  will ;  to  our  citizens 
who  so  patriotically  and  cheerfully  furnished  the  'sinews  of  war;'  to  the 
merchants  and  residents  of  the  line  of  parade,  who  so  profusely  and 
elegantly  decorated  their  homes  and  places  of  business  ;  to  His  Excellency, 
Governor  Biggs,  Senator  Higgins,  Hon.  George  H.  Bates,  and  His  Honor, 
Mayor  Harrington,  and  the  members  of  our  City  Council,  and  to  Prof. 

235 


Wilmington  Reunion,  1889. 

Dushane  Cloward  and  his  quartette  and  accompanist,  who  have  aided  us 
so  greatly  in  honoring  our  guests ;  to  the  press  of  our  city,  who  have  lent 
their  aid  in  every  way  to  arouse  public  interest,  to  the  proprietor  of  the 
Opera  House,  and  last,  but  far  from  least,  ABOVE  ALL,  to  the  Ladies' 
Aid  Society  of  DuPont  Post  for  this  elegant  repast,  which  appeals  as 
nothing  else  does  or  can  appeal  to  the  hearts  of  men,  are  we  indebted.  To 
these  so  named  belong  the  honor  of  the  day — not  to  your  chairman. 

"But,  comrades  and  gentlemen,  the  hour  is  late.  Many  of  our  guests 
have  been  compelled  to  leave,  and  the  last  of  my  duties  as  chairman 
devolves  upon  me — to  adjourn  these  festivities.  It  is  with  a  feeling  of 
regret  that  I  do  so.  In  spite  of  the  gladsome  spirit  which  has  prevailed  all 
day,  there  has  been  in  my  heart  an  undercurrent  of  sadness.  As  I  sat  on 
the  stage  of  the  Opera  House  and  looked  in  the  faces  of  my  comrades  of 
the  1 24th,  I  was  thankful  so  many  were  spared  and  permitted  to  be  with  us. 
But  the  thought  would  shape  itself,  'How  long  will  these  reunions  last?' 
Our  ranks  are  rapidly  thinning.  Life  has  gone  hard  with  many  of  us. 
The  exposures  incident  to  a  soldier's  life  left  seeds  of  disease  which  have 
served  to  shorten  the  lives  of  many. 

"Before  many  more  years  shall  roll  away  the  battle  of  life  will  be  fought 
out,  and  it  will  be  'taps'  and  'Lights  out'  for  us  all.  But  reunions  such  as 
we  have  enjoyed  to-day  will  make  the  journey  more  pleasant,  and  the  spirit 
of  comradeship  will  lighten  many  a  load  and  assuage  many  a  sorrow. 

"Again  thanking  you  for  the  honor  you  have  done  me,  I  declare  this 
meeting  adjourned." 

After  spending  some  time  in  social  intercourse  and  leave- 
takings,  we  took  up  our  line  of  march  for  our  homes,  with  grateful 
feelings  for  the  attentions  which  had  been  showered  upon  us  and 
the  hospitalities  we  had  received. 

The  day  will  always  be  a  bright  spot  in  the  memory  of  every 
member  of  the  Association  who  was  permitted  to  be  present. 


236 


OXFORD  REUNION. 

(Si.rth  A  junta!.) 
SEPTEMBER  17,   1890. 

Upon  arrival  at  the  station,  the  regiment  was  met  by  the 
Oxford  Band  and  Thompson  Post,  G.  A.  R.,  who  acted  as  escort. 
The  survivors  of  the  regiment  were  followed  by  Du  Pont  Post, 
No.  2,  and  Phil  Sheridan  Post,  No.  23,  G.  A.  R.,  Wilmington, 
Del.,  Sons  of  Veterans  Camp,  No.  247,  and  the  Nottingham 
Band,  K.  G.  E.,  of  Oxford.  The  line  marched  to  the  fair 
grounds,  and  the  reunion  was  held  in  the  grand-stand. 

Dr.  J.  Willis  Huston,  of  Oxford,  chairman  of  Committee  on 
Reception,  spoke  as  follows  : 

"Ladies  and  Gentlemen,  Fellow  Soldiers :  As  we  stand  and  gaze  into 
each  other's  faces  to-day,  surrounded  as  we  are  by  pleasant,  peaceful 
scenery,  happiness  depicted  on  every  countenance,  the  knowledge  that  we 
are  at  peace  with  all  mankind,  no  entangling  alliances  nor  threatening 
calamities  overhanging  us,  the  angel  of  peace  hovering  over  our  altar  with 
outspread  wings,  under  such  environments,  how  like  a  frenzied  dream 
reappear  through  memories  the  scenes  of  this  day,  this  hour,  twenty-eight 
years  ago.  But  we  know  it  is  not  a  dream ;  the  traces  of  the  havoc  of  war 
have  only  been  erased  by  the  onward  march  of  time.  Twenty-eight  years 
ago,  at  this  hour,  many  of  the  fathers,  brothers,  husbands  and  sons  of  this 
community  were  standing  shoulder  to  shoulder  upon  the  sanguinary  field 
of  Antietam,  the  recipients  of  a  soldier's  baptism  with  their  own  blood, 
enveloped  with  a  smoky  darkness  their  vision  could  not  penetrate,  deafened 
by  the  roar  of  artillery  and  the  rattle  of  musketry,  belching  forth  their 
cyclones  of  shot  and  shell,  carrying  death  and  mutilation  to  our  fast  deci 
mating  ranks,  and  sorrow,  anguish  and  despair  to  dear  ones  at  home,  many 
of  whom  were  assembled  in  their  churches,  their  chapels,  others  in  their 
closets,  all  invoking  and  supplicating  the  God  of  battles  for  the  success  of 
our  cause  and  the  safety  of  their  loved  ones. 

"To-day  fathers  and  mothers,  husbands  and  wives,  brothers  and  sisters, 
have  assembled  here  to  extend  a  glad  welcome  to  the  survivors  of  the 
I24th  Regiment,  P.  V.,  in  recognition  of  the  deep  debt  of  gratitude  we 
owe  them.  And  at  the  same  time  we  hold  out  the  olive  branch  of  peace 
to  our  former  erring  brethren  of  Seceshia  and  gladly  welcome  them  back 
into  the  fold  of  a  common  political  brotherhood.  We  meet  to-day  not  to 
recall  memories  that  will  revive  buried  animosities,  bitter  passions  or  sec 
tional  issues — but  especially  to  do  honor  to  these  brave  soldiers,  who  when 
the  unity,  integrity  and  prosperity  of  our  country  were  threatened;  when 

237 


Oxford  Reunion, 

diplomacy  had  failed  to  heal  the  widening  breach;  when  naught  but  the 
arbitrament  of  arms  could  stay  the  progress  of  the  heresy  of  secession, 
then  you  left  the  plow  in  the  furrow,  the  hammer  on  the  anvil,  the  jack 
plane  on  the  bench,  leaving  everything  loved  behind  you,  and  mustering 
in  your  mighty  strength  went  forth  to  offer  your  lives  as  sacrifices,  that 
the  noblest  and  best  government  on  the  face  of  God's  green  earth  should 
not  perish,  but  be  preserved  and  transmitted  to  generations  yet  unborn. 
It  is  not  my  province  to  speak  for  the  citizens  of  Oxford  and  vicinity  in 
extending  our  welcome  to  the  survivors  of  the  I24th  Regiment  of  Pennsyl 
vania  Volunteers,  and  their  distinguished  guests.  That  honor  and  pleasure 
has  been  delegated  to  those  equal  to  this  or  any  other  occasion.  But  for 
myself  I  cannot  forego  the  opportunity  of  tendering  to  you  my  individual, 
heartfelt,  welcome  greeting,  to  this  town  of  my  adoption.  Having  wit 
nessed  the  heroism  displayed  by  you  on  the  blood-drenched  field  of 
Antietam,  I  would  be  recreant  to  the  obligations  of  manhood  did  I  fail  on 
this  occasion  to  bear  testimony  thereto.  Bound  to  many  of  your  members 
by  all  the  ties  that  bind  society  I  cannot  but  be  proud  of  the  records  for 
bravery  of  your  Lynch,  Coates,  Webster,  Broomall,  Worth,  Baker, 
Martin,  Fleming,  Houston  and  others,  former  comrades  in  times  of  peace. 
How  well  the  regiment  of  which  you  formed  a  part  deserved  the  compli 
mentary  report  of  General  McClellan  can  only  be  appreciated  by  those  who 
shared  .the  dangers  and  braved  the  terrors  of  the  historic  cornfield. 

[NOTE  BY  EDITOR:  Page  202,  of  McClellan's  report,  says: 
''The  1 24th  Pennsylvania  Volunteers  were  pushed  across  the 
turnpike  into  the  woods  beyond  J.  Miller's  house,  with  orders  to 
hold  the  position  as  long  as  possible/'] 

But  a  few  days  in  the  service  your  were  hurriedly  thrown  into  the  breach 
made  in  our  lines  by  the  retiring  of  that  superb  body  of  troops,  the  Penn 
sylvania  Reserves.  Nobly  you  performed  the  duty  assigned  you ;  not  a  man 
hesitated  or  faltered,  but  amid  a  blighting  storm  of  iron  hail  and  leaden 
rain  at  fearful  cost  of  life  and  limb  in  which  your  gallant  colonel  and 
many  others  were  stricken  down,  some  to  rise  no  more  on  earth,  you 
advanced  and  not  only  recovered  your  former  lines,  but  placed  your 
standard  where  veteran  troops  had  failed  to  penetrate.  This  position  you 
held  with  Spartan  bravery  until  relieved  by  the  Philadelphia  Brigade.  It 
is  no  disparagement  of  your  bravery  to  say  the  Philadelphians  (many  of 
whom  were  Chester  and  Delaware  County  boys  and  some  were  Blue  Hen's 
Chickens)  charged  onward  in  your  advance  and  broke  the  Confederate 
lines,  thus  deciding  the  fate  of  the  day  on  the  right.  These  troops  were 
the  veterans  of  the  Peninsula,  the  heroes  of  the  Seven  Days'  Fight,  the 
flower  of  the  chivalry  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac,  and  at  Gettysburg  the 
victors  of  the  Bloody  Angle  and  the  Devil's  Den.  Yet  their  brilliant  charge 
at  Antietam  might  not  have  been  a  success  had  not  a  handful  of  heroic 

238 


Oxford  Reunion,  1890. 

boys  detached  from  the  I24th,  and  led  by  the  brave  and  lamented  late 
Colonel  D.  F.  Houston,  silenced  the  Confederate  battery  which  was  doing 
such  fearful  execution  in  checking  any  attempt  made  to  advance  across  the 
cornfield.  To  these  brave  fellows  much  of  the  credit  of  the  Confederate 
repulse  is  due,  and  historians  say,  it  was  here  that  the  fate  of  the  day 
was  decided.  Doubtless  some  of  these  brave  fellows  are  with  us  to-day. 
But  1  am  transcending  my  limit,  as  I  am  neither  biographer  nor  historian 
for  this  occasion,  only  directed  to  organize  the  meeting." 

Dr.  Huston  then  introduced  Rev.  W.  R.  Bingham,  of  Oxford, 
who  said,  in  part : 

"We  welcome  you,  dear  comrades,  to-day  to  our  homes  and  our  hearts. 
Among  men  I  know,  and  those  I  do  not  know,  I  know  not  where  to  find 
men  better  than  those  we  welcome  here  to-day.  Furrows  mark  your  faces, 
many  a  winter's  blast  has  left  its  mark,  and  many  a  summer's  heat  has 
bronzed  your  faces.  But  I  do  not  look  for  beauty,  but  for  the  brave  men 
who  stood  and  fought  while  the  cowards  ran.  Oxford  stands  to-day  where 
she  ought  always  to  stand — first  in  welcoming  the  brave.  I  am  sorry  I  am 
not  a  soldier,  but  if  I  was,  all  the  money  in  this  world  would  not  buy 
the  name." 

Mr.  Bingham  went  on  to  describe  the  battles  of  Antietam, 
Chancellorsville,  and  others,  and  pictured  to  the  soldiers  their 
bravery  and  the  hardships  they  had  to  endure.  He  concluded' 
by  denouncing  the  man  who  is  not  the  friend  of  the  soldier,  as 
what  this  nation's  got  to-day  was  bought  by  blood.  He  also  spoke 
at  some  length  on  "pensions,"  and  said  there  was  talk  about  some 
crowding  in  and  trying  to  get  pensions  who  were  not  entitled  to 
them,  and  said  that  it  would  be  better  to  pay  ten  that  were  not 
soldiers  than  to  cheat  one  that  was  a  soldier. 

"In  order  to  give  these  brave  men  pensions  they  should  tax  my  property 
and  every  one's  else,  but  that  they  should  succeed,  as  it  is  to  them  we  owe 
our  present  prosperity." 

Colonel  Hawley,  president  of  the  Association,  was  next  intro 
duced,  and  spoke  as  follows : 

"Mr.  President,  Ladies  and  Gentlemen :  It  is  a  task  beyond  my  power  to 
make  a  proper  reply  to  the  eloquent  address  of  welcome  of  Rev.  Mr. 
Bingham,  to  which  you  have  just  listened,  but  I  can  at  least  say  that  I 

239 


Oxford  Reunion,  1890 

speak  the  sentiment  of  the  I24th  Regiment  when  1  say  we  most  heartily 
appreciate  this  royal  welcome  from  the  citizens  of  Oxford.  I  will  not  be 
so  selfish,  however,  as  to  claim  all  the  honor  for  the  i24th  Regiment  and 
the  members  of  the  Grand  Army  with  us  to-day,  but  will  accept  it  as  the 
loyal  feeling  of  these  good  people  towards  each  and  every  one  who 
wore  the  Blue,  whether  he  be  the  humblest  soldier  in  the  ranks  or  the  ablest 
general  in  command. 

"Twenty-eight  years  have  passed  by  since  Company  C  left  this  borough. 
Those  years  have  changed  us  from  boys  to  old  men;  death  has  also  reduced 
our  number,  and  this  year  we  mourn  the  loss  of  Lieutenant  Crowl  among 
those  who  have  been  mustered  into  the  Grand  Army  above. 

"Business  duties  have  so  scattered  us  that  the  numbers  at  our  annual 
gatherings  is  small,  but  the  letters  received  from  the  absent  ones  show  they 
are  with  us  in  spirit  if  not  in  person. 

"While  we  had  our  share  of  the  sufferings  and  privations  incident  to 
camp  life,  still  we  had  an  equal  share  with  others  of  the  pleasures,  and 
if  yon  could  but  listen  to  the  stories  that  will  be  told  after  the  adjourn 
ment  of  this  meeting  you  would  imagine  army  life  to  be  one  continued 
picnic,  time  having  worn  off  the  rough  places  and  preserved  only  the  bright 
spots. 

"It  is  useless  for  me  to  say  that  we  soldiers  enjoy  these  reunions,  but 
when  our  friends  give  us  such  a  welcome  as  we  received  last  year  at  Wil 
mington,  and  this  to-day  by  our  friends  of  Oxford,  these  days  become  the 
brightest  of  our  lives. 

"Last  year  we  were  made  to  regret  we  had  not  enlisted  as  soldiers  from 
Delaware,  so  kind  was  that  little  State  to  us  on  September  17,  1889;  but 
now  we  come  back,  and  are  glad  to  claim  Chester  County  as  the  home 
of  our  birth,  and  hope  she  may  ever  be  proud  of  the  soldiers  who  fought 
under  her  banners.  As  there  is  mucn  in  store  for  you  I  will  no  longer 
detain  you,  but  will  close  as  I  began  by  thanking  you  all  for  your  kind 
remembrances  of  our  earnest  endeavors  to  serve  you  in  the  face  of  the 
enemies  of  our  country.'' 

Colonel  Hawley  introduced  Rev.  Joseph  S.  Evans,  Chaplain 
of  the  regiment,  who  spoke  as  follows  : 

"Ladies  and  gentlemen,  citizens  of  Oxford  and  vicinity :  As  the  years 
roll  by,  the  hearts  and  souls  of  the  old  soldiers  become  more  and  more 
drawn  toward  each  other. 

"There  is  a  strange,  mysterious  influence,  I  cannot  understand  or  explain 
it,  that  tends  to  bind  more  closely  together,  in  true  manly  affection,  those 
who  have  shared  the  toils,  trials  and  dangers  of  soldier  life,  such  as  we 
experienced  in  the  late  war.  And  hence  it  is  that  we  look  forward  to  these 
annual  reunions  with  deep  interest  and  pleasant  anticipations.  For  sev 
eral  years  past  we  have  had  with  each  recurring  year,  a  wTarm,  pressing 
invitation  to  come  to  Oxford.  At  our  meeting  in  Wilmington,  Delaware, 

240 


Oxford  Reunion,  1890. 

last  year,  where  we  enjoyed  such  a  generous  and  royal  reception  and 
ovation,  we  resolved  to  hold  our  next  annual  reunion  at  Oxford. 

"To-day  we  are  here.  And  on  behalf  of  our  president,  Colonel  Hawley, 
and  in  the  name  of  the  members  of  the  124th  Regiment,  1  extend  to  you  our 
most  sincere  and  heartfelt  thanks  for  the  magnificent  welcome  and  recep 
tion  which  we  have  received  at  your  hands.  As  we  passed  through  your 
streets  on  our  way  to  this  place  and  witnessed  the  manifestation  of  cor 
dial  welcome  in  the  flags  and  bunting  decorating  your  dwellings  and 
places  of  business,  and  the  smiling  faces  of  the  ladies  and  children  upon 
the  verandas  and  porticos  greeting  us  at  every  step  of  our  march,  we 
could  but  feel  that  we  were  having  a  magnificent  welcome. 

"We  have  looked  forward  to  this  meeting  to-day,  \vith  very  pleasant 
anticipations;  we  have  not  been  disappointed.  We  are  more  than  gratified. 
As  each  year  rolls  by  as  we  are  on  our  onward  march  to  the  great  eternity 
before  us,  some  of  our  comrades  are  mustered  out  of  our  ranks  by  the 
hand  of  death.  During  the  past  year  but  two  of  our  number,  so  far  as  I 
am  aware,  have  been  taken  away.  They  were  both  members  of  Company 
C,  and  both  formerly  residents  of  Oxford  and  vicinity ;  I  allude  to  Lieu 
tenant  Levi  Crowl  and  comrade  Lambdon  F.  Thomas.  While  we  mourn 
the  loss  of  these  comrades  to-day,  yet  we  are  here,  inspired  by  the  fond 
anticipations  of  the  past  year,  the  inspiring  words  of  Dr.  Huston  and  Dr. 
Bingham,  in  their  kindly  and  patriotic  allusions  to  the  old  soldiers,  and 
to  the  survivors  of  the  I24th  Regiment,  in  particular,  as  well  as  by  the 
manifestations  of  the  citizens  to  which  I  have  already  referred,  to  have  a 
pleasant  and  joyous  reunion,  and  know  that  we  shall  not  be  disappointed. 
Again  1  thank  you  for  this  grand  reception." 

After  an  elaborate  banquet,  prepared  by  the  \Yomen's  Christian 
Temperance  League,  was  partaken  of,  addresses  were  made  by 
Hon.  Theodore  K.  Stubbs,  Peter  B.  Avars,  Captain  Xorris  L. 
Yarnall,  Governor  Benjamin  T.  Biggs,  of  Delaware,  Colonel 
John  Wainwright,  John  A.  M.  Passmore,  of  George  G.  Meade 
Post,  Xo.  i,  of  Philadelphia,  and  George  W.  Channell,  superin 
tendent  of  schools  at  Pine  Grove. 

At  the  conclusion  of  the  speeches,  the  members  of  the  Associa 
tion  assembled  in  business  meeting,  and  were  called  to  order  by 
President  Colonel  Joseph  W.  Hawley,  and  prayer  was  offered 
by  Chaplain  Rev.  Joseph  S.  Evans.  Present,  180  comrades.  The 
officers  of  the  preceding  year  were  re-elected.  A  vote  of  thanks 
was  extended  to  the  ladies,  comrades,  and  citizens  of  Oxford  for 
the  magnificent  welcome  and  reception  received  at  their  hands. 


16 


241 


COATESVILLE    REUNION. 

(Seventh  Annual.) 
SEPTEMBER  17,  1891. 

The  day  was  a  perfect  one,  not  a  cloud  to  mar  the  pleasure  of 
the  survivors  and  friends  who  assembled  there. 

The  parade  was  composed  of  the  Society  of  the  124th, 
Brandywine  Post,  Xo.  54,  G.  A.  R.,  Daniel  C.  Reed  Post,  No. 
599  (colored),  Camp  No.  172,  Sons  of  Veterans,  and  a  delegation 
of  the  P.  O.  S.  of  A. 

The  meeting  was  called  to  order  in  the  Opera  House,  and 
Rev.  M.  M.  Finch,  Camden,  N.  J.,  offered  prayer.  Ex-Burgess 
Thomas  H.  Windle  welcomed  us  to  the  borough  and  its  hospi 
talities.  This  was  responded  to  by  Colonel  Joseph  W.  Hawley, 
president  of  the  regimental  association.  Hon.  Marriot  Brosius, 
of  the  97th  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  in  a  stirring  speech  recalled 
some  of  the  trials,  hardships  and  pleasures  of  army  life.  Chaplain 
Evans  related  some  of  his  experiences  among  the  dying,  dead 
and  wounded. 

Rev.  M.  M.  Finch,  on  behalf  of  T.  E.  Frame,  presented 
Captain  Norris  L.  Yarnall  with  a  framed  photograph  of  the 
members  of  Ricketts'  Battery,  to  the  aid  of  which  he  took  his 
company  at  the  Battle  of  Antietam. 

A  sumptuous  dinner  was  served,  under  the  auspices  of  the 
Women's  Relief  Corps  of  Brandywine  Post,  G.  A.  R. 

After  the  appetites  of  the  comrades  were  appeased,  the  business 
meeting  of  the  Association  was  called  to  order  by  President 
Colonel  Joseph  W.  Hawley,  and  prayer  was  offered  by  Chaplain 
Rev.  Joseph  S.  Evans.  The  officers  of  the  preceding  year  were 
re-elected.  A  resolution  was  tendered  the  citizens  of  Coatesville 
for  the  hospitable  treatment  accorded  us.  It  was  resolved  to 
hold  the  next  reunion  in  picnic  style,  the  place  to  be  selected  by 
the  Executive  Committee. 


242 


ELWYN  REUNION. 

(Eighth   Annual.) 

SEPTEMBER  17,  1892. 

The  survivors  to  the  number  of  about  150  met  and  renewed 
old  acquaintances. 

The  meeting-  was  called  to  order  by  President  Colonel  Joseph 
W.  Hawley,  and  prayer  was  offered  by  Chaplain  Rev.  Joseph  S. 
Evans.  The  officers  of  the  Association  were  re-elected. 

A  Funeral  Committee,  consisting  of  Colonel  Joseph  W. 
Hawley,  Colonel  Benjamin  Brooke,  Robert  M.  Green,  Charles 
P.  Keech,  Gilpin  B.  Underwood,  was  appointed.  The  duty  of 
the  committee,  to  provide  a  fund  for  and  attend  to  the  proper 
burial  of  any  member  of  the  Association.  A  feature  of  the 
occasion  was  the  excellent  music  by  the  band  of  22  boys  from  the 
Glen  Mills  School. 

After  the  banquet  had  been  partaken  of,  speeches  were  made 
by  Colonel  Hawley,  Chaplain  Evans,  John  L.  Grim,  Captain 
Norris  L.  Yarnall,  Jesse  M.  Baker,  and  others. 

The  following  resolution  was   unanimously  adopted : 

ELWYN.  Sept.  17,  1892. 

Rcsokrd,  That  we,  in  our  Regimental  Association  meeting  held  this  day, 
extend  our  heartfelt  sympathy  to  our  aged  and  honored  comrade,  Captain 
Townsend,  of  Company  E.  who,  because  of  severe  affliction,  is  deprived 
from  meeting  with  us. 

Rcsol-i'cd,  That  the  survivors  assembled  this  day  at  EKvyn,  Delaware 
County,  Pa.,  hereby  express  our  appreciation  of  the  services  of  the  boys' 
band,  from  the  Glen  Mills  School  for  the  appropriate  music  discoursed  by 
them,  and  that  we  extend  to  the  band  and  their  courteous  leader  our  sincere 
thanks. 

A  resolution  was  also  adopted  thanking  Secretary  Charles  P. 
Keech  for  his  efficient  work. 

It  was  decided  to  hold  the  next  reunion  at  \Yest  Chester,  Pa., 
on  Saturday,  September  16,  1893. 


243 


WILLIAM  PUSEY  WEST. 


He  was  born  February  6th, 
1840,  on  a  farm  now  adjoining 
the  Borough  of  Upland,  in  Dela 
ware  County,  Pennsylvania.  He 
was  the  son  of  William  and  Martha 
(Button)  West.  His  grandfather 
was  Samuel  West,  his  great  grand 
father,  William  WTest ;  his  great 
great  grandfather,  John  Wrest, 
called  by  the  descendants,  the  emi 
grant,  who  came  from  England  in 
1715;  the  wife  of  John  was  Sarah 
Pearson,  and  one  of  their  sons  was 
Benjamin  AYest,  the  celebrated 
painter,  he  being  a  younger  brother 
of  William  West,  who  was  the 
great  grandfather  of  the  present 
William  Pusey  W^est.  The  house 
in  which  Comrade  West  was  born 
was  built  in  1696,  and  it  and  the 
adjoining  farm  were  purchased  by 

William  West   (his  great  grandfather),  and  it  remained  in  pos 
session  of  the  family  until  a  few  years  ago. 

Comrade  West  enlisted  in  Company  H,  of  the  I24th,  and 
was  promoted  to  Commissary-Sergeant  of  the  regiment  Sep 
tember  ist,  1862,  and  served  in  that  capacity  until  the  regiment 
was  mustered  out ;  he  re-enlisted  in  the  29th  Pennsylvania  Volun 
teer  Militia  and  served  as  Commissary-Sergeant  until  the  regi 
ment  was  discharged. 

Comrade  Wrest  has  in  his  possession  a  gold  medal  that  was 
presented  to  Benjamin  West  (the  painter)  when  he  \vas  presi 
dent  of  the  Royal  Academy  in  London.  The  medal  is  to 
descend  to  the  oldest  son  (by  name  of  West)  in  each  succeeding 
generation. 


244 


WEST    CHESTER    REUNION. 

(Xint/i  Annual.) 
SKPTKMHKR  ifi,   1893. 

( )ne  hundred  and  fourteen  survivors  of  the  regiment  assembled 
at  the  Tattersall  Building,  accompanied  by  a  band  of  29  musicians 
from  the  school  at  Glen  Mills. 

Colonel  Joseph  W.  Hawley  called  the  meeting-  to  order,  and 
Chaplain  Rev.  Joseph  S.  Evans  led  in  prayer.  In  the  course  of 
the  prayer  he  referred  to  the  storm  which  the  regiment  passed 
through  many  years  ago.  His  plea  that  all  might  be  ready  when 
mustered  out  by  death,  to  enter  the  army  of  the  redeemed  in 
heaven,  was  pathetic  and  touching. 

The  Obituary  Committee  reported  24  deaths  that  had  not  been 
previously  reported,  as  follows : 

Thompson  L.   Alexander  James    Trainer 

George    B.    Shillingford  J.  Rowland  Cochran 

William  S.  Brewster  Plummer  E.  Walker 

Valentine  Sanrmilch  Jacob  H.  Way 

John  S.  Sibley  Andrew  J.  Haws 

W.  Wayne  Vodges  J.  Bedlow 

George  S.  Benson  J.  Albert- Miller 

Henry  M.  Worth  Jerome  Ever 

Captain  W.  W.  Stott  Richard  T.  Cowan 

Joseph  Hughes  Harry  C.  Valentine 

Elmer  Edwards  William  Rogers 

J.  J.  Gibbons  James  B.  Gordon 

It  was  decided  that  the  next  reunion  be  held  at  Antietam,  and 
Colonel  Hawley  named  the  following  committee  to  take  charge 
of  the  arrangements. 

Captain  Charles  W.  Roberts  Joseph   Showalter 

Thomas  W.  Taylor  Robert  Woodside 

Thomas  T.  Smith  Lieutenant   William   C.   Dickey 

Dinner  was  served  at  the  Eagle  Hotel,  and  the  thanks  of  the 
Association  was  extended  to  the  superintendent  of  the  Glen  Mills 
School  and  to  the  leader  of  the  band  from  that  institution. 


247 


- 


ANTIETAM    REUNION. 

(Tenth  Annual.) 
SEPTEMBER  17,  1894. 

On  Saturday  morning,  the  survivors  of  the  regiment  to  the 
number  of  86,  many  of  them  accompanied  by  friends  and 
members  of  their  families,  started  on  the  pilgrimage  to  Antietam. 
Harper's  Ferry  was  reached  at  1.30  P.  M.,  and  the  party  was 
driven  through  the  picturesque  old  town  to  the  Hill  Top  House. 

Colonel  Hawley  was  then  called  upon,  and  spoke  as  follows : 

Comrades :  It  seems  but  a  few  months  since  we  were  marching  over 
these  grounds  with  an  enemy  in  front  of  us,  watching  every  movement 
we  made,  but  in  those  months  what  changes  have  taken  place.  To-day 
we  are  tendered  a  cordial  welcome,  and  freely  roam  over  this  beautiful 
country,  accompanied  by  our  wives  and  children.  No  bristling  guns 
appear  on  the  surrounding  heights  as  they  did  then.  No  guard  stands  at 
the  pontoon  bridge  to  examine  our  passes.  No  provost  guard  warns  us 
to  return  to  our  regiment.  The  railroad  trains  no  longer  carry  muni 
tions  of  war,  but  are  loaded  with  the  product  of  these  fertile  valleys. 
Nice,  fresh  bread  and  juicy  chicken  have  taken  the  place  of  hard  tack 
and  salt  pork  on  our  tables,  and  the  old  coffee  kettle  no  longer  hangs  on 
the  pole.  But  comrades,  the  intervening  years  have  also  worked 
changes  in  us ;  then  we  were  all  boys  together,  the  hardships  were  but 
play  to  us.  Now,  however,  picket  duty  on  stormy  nights,  long  marches 
and  short  rations  and  the  excitement  of  the  battle  would  soon  place  us 
where  the  bugle  call  would  not  be  heard.  I  need  not  tell  you  what 
pleasure  it  affords  me  to  meet  with  you  on  these  historic  grounds.  It 
was  not  my  privilege  to  accompany  you  here  from  Antietam.  Owing  to 
the  good  marksmanship  of  one  of  General  Lee's  followers,  I  was 
requested  early  in  that  engagement  to  retrace  my  steps  to  Pennsylvania, 
taking  a  bullet  in  my  neck  as  a  souvenir.  You  were  here  when  I  rejoined 
the  regiment,  and  the  reception  you  gave  me  will  ever  stand  as  one  of  the 
bright  spots  on  my  journey  through  life.  It  seems  I  can  still  hear  the  echo 
of  your  cheers  given  as  you  marched  past  me  that  evening  after  dress 
parade.  Our  visit  to  London  valley  and  the  battlefield  of  Antietam  will 
recall  many  incidents  of  pleasure  and  sadness.  Our  Commanders,  Gen 
erals  Slocum,  Geary  and  Kane,  together  with  Lieutenant-Colonel  Litzen- 
berg,  Major  Haldeman,  and  many  of  our  comrades,  have  answered  the 
last  roll-call,  and  they  will  be  missed  from  our  company,  but  will  still  have  a 
pleasant  place  in  our  memory.  A  few  years  more  and  \ve  will  join  them. 

Brief  remarks  were  made  by  Chaplain  Evans,  Colonel  Benja 
min  Brooke,  Robert  M.  Green,  and  Captain  Charles  W.  Roberts. 

249 


Antietam  Reunion,  1894. 

On  Sunday  morning  a  pleasant  drive  was  had  to  London 
Valley,  where  the  I24th  was  encamped  for  several  months  in  the 
fall  of  1862. 

After  dinner,  some  visited  Maryland  Heights  and  some  drove 
to  Charlestown,  where  John  Brown  and  several  of  his  followers 
were  hung.  In  the  evening  religious  services  wrere  conducted 
on  one  of  the  porches  of  the  hotel.  Chaplain  Evans  preached 
very  acceptably  from  First  Timothy,  6:12,  "Fight  the  good  fight 
of  Faith." 

Early  Monday  morning  preparations  were  made  for  the  trip 
to  Antietam  battlefield.  Carriages  conveyed  the  party  to  the 
railroad  station,  where  the  special  train  was  in  waiting.  Arriving 
at  Keedysville,  12  miles  from  Harper's  Ferry,  the  delegation  was 
loaded  into  about  30  wagons  and  driven  to  the  Miller  farm, 
where,  in  the  cornfield,  the  I24th  received  its  first  experience  in 
actual  warfare  on  that  memorable  day,  the  i/th  of  September, 
1862,  and  where  Colonel  Joseph  W.  Hawley,  the  commander  of 
the  regiment,  was  severely  wounded. 

The  business  meeting  of  the  Association  was  held  near  the 
spot  where  the  colonel  was  wounded,  the  thirty-second  anniver 
sary  of  the  regiment's  baptism  of  fire.  Chaplain  Evans  offered 
prayer,  and  the  officers  of  the  preceding  year  were  re-elected. 
On  motion,  it  was  decided  to  place  the  monumental  tablet  of 
the  regiment  as  near  as  possible  to  the  spot  where  Colonel 
Hawley  was  wounded.  The  thanks  of  the  Association  were 
given  Colonel  Benjamin  Brooke  for  the  excellent  manner  in 
which  he  had  perfected  arrangements  for  the  comfort  of  the 
excursionists.  The  committee  in  charge,  in  addition  to  Colonel 
Brooke,  \vas  Captain  Charles  W.  Roberts,  Robert  M.  Green, 
Joseph  Showalter,  Robert  G.  Woodside,  Lieutenant  \Yilliam  C. 
Dickey,  and  Thomas  T.  Smith. 

Re-entering  the  carriages  after  the  business  meeting,  we 
visited  the  old  Dunker  Church,  Bloody  Lane,  Sharpsburg, 
Burnside's  Bridge,  National  Cemetery,  General  McClellan's 
Headquarters,  and  back  to  Keedysville,  where  dinner  was  served. 

At  5  P.  M.,  the  special  train  steamed  homeward,  reaching 
Washington  at  7  P.  M.,  and  Philadelphia  at  n  P.  M. 


250 


VALLEY  FORGE  REUNION. 

(Eleventh  Annual.) 
SEPTEMBER  17,  1895. 

Upon  arrival  of  the  train  at  Valley  Forge,  there  was  a  jolly 
season  of  handshaking  and  enthusiastic  greeting  between  those 
who  had  come  on  the  train  and  those  who  had  arrived  in  car 
riages.  Proceeding  to  Washington's  Headquarters,  the  assem 
blage  was  called  to  order  by  President  Colonel  Joseph  W. 
Hawley,  after  which  Lieutenant  Harry  Wells,  of  the  Committee 
on  Arrangements,  introduced  General  B.  F.  Fisher,  of  Valley 
Forge,  who  delivered  an  address  of  welcome,  as  follows : 

Comrades  :  It  is  with  unfeigned  pleasure  that  I  arise  in  obedience  to  the 
instructions  of  the  citizens  in  this  vicinity  to  extend  to  the  surviving  vet 
erans  of  the  1 24th  Regiment  of  Pennsylvania  Volunteers  and  their  friends 
a  most  cordial  welcome  to  Valley  Forge.  These  grounds,  hallowed  as  they 
are  by  the  sufferings,  endurance  and  devotion  of  that  little  army  of 
patriots  that  was  encamped  upon  these  surrounding  hills  in  the  winter  of 
1777  and  I77&  may  add  but  little  zest  to  the  spirit  of  devotion  and  loyalty 
to  the  Government  and  the  flag  of  our  country  which  has  marked  your  past 
history.  But  there  is  no  spot  that  can  by  its  memories  and  past  associa 
tions  give  purer  inspiration  to  the  American  soldier ;  and  we  feel  that 
even  your  loyalty  to  the  Flag  and  the  Union  may  receive  new  strength 
and  fervor  by  being  here.  You  by  your  valor  aided  to  preserve  to  your 
children  to  remotest  ages  the  Constitutional  liberty,  to  lay  the  foundations 
of  which  these  hills  bear  silent  witness  to  the  sacrifices  of  your  fore 
fathers.  Lexington  and  Bunker  Hill  witnessed  the  first  struggle,  and 
Yorktown  the  final  triumph  of  the  revolution,  but  it  was  at  Valley  Forge 
that  the  indomitable  will  of  the  American  people  to  do  and  to  suffer  in 
the  cause  of  liberty  left  its  impress  for  all  ages.  Yonder  little  stone-house, 
where  convened  most  important  councils  of  war,  presided  over  by  the 
immortal  Washington,  and  yonder  hills,  upon  which  the  army  of  patriot1? 
lay  half-fed,  half-clad,  poorly  armed,  and  yet  a  menace  to  the  whole  British 
army  during  the  long  terrible  Winter,  should  be  held  sacred  by  every 
American  citizen.  Though  these  heights  are  but  bleak  and  bare,  unmarked 
by  monument  or  care,  though  they  rear  their  fronts  heavenward  in 
silence  and  are  mute,  they  teach  more  eloquent  and  purer  lessons  of 
patriotism  than  do  the  well-rounded  phrases  of  the  Governor  of  the  State 
in  vetoing  the  few  paltry  dollars  voted  by  the  Legislature  for  the  pur 
chase,  marking  and  preservation  of  these  scenes  around  which  cling  the 
tendcrest  and  holiest  memories  of  the  days  of  the  Revolution. 

253 


/  'alley  Forge  Reunion,  /#95. 

That  Revolution  gave  to  us  freedom  from  a  foreign  yoke  and  the  consti 
tutional  blessings  and  liberties  enjoyed.  Think  of  it,  soldiers  of  the 
Republic — the  amounts  required  to  assure  ownership  and  preservation  to 
the  people  of  the  entire  site  occupied  by  the  Continental  Army  at  Valley 
Forge  would  not  exceed  a  charge  of  two  cents  a  person  of  the  population 
of  the  State.  Yonder  lines  of  rifle  pits  with  their  earth  works  at  salient 
points  may  in  themselves  present  little  of  value  to  the  State — but  what 
a  wealth  of  interesting  associations  cluster  around  them.  Every  foot  of 
them  was  familiar  to  the  presence  and  care  of  the  grand  heroes  of  the 
heroic  army  that  built  them.  Could  they  speak,  what  thrilling  tales  of 
comradeship,  of  earnest  soul-stirring  words  and  acts,  of  great  cause  of 
country,  they  could  unfold.  Who  can  describe  or  measure  the  character 
and  strength  of  the  patriotism  of  the  men  who  day  in  and  day  out — 
during  those  long  weary  months — manned  those  defensive  works  await 
ing  attack  by  the  flower  of  the  English  army  lying  in  Philadelphia?  But 
save  to  the  people,  to  the  future  generations  of  the  State  those  reminders 
of  the  past,  and  they  will  be  an  inspiration  to  the  highest,  the  noblest  and 
truest  citizenship.  Student,  poet,  orator  and  statesman  will  all  gather 
from  the  sermons  taught  by  these  rude  monuments  of  earth  and  stone. 

What  a  wealth  of  the  highest  patriotic  sentiments  is  exhibited  upon  the 
field  of  Gettysburg.  What  the  wonderful  bravery,  the  fierce  charges,  the 
gallant  resistances  of  attack,  the  personal  courage  and  deadly  blows  to  the 
enemy  at  Gettysburg  effected  for  the  war  against  rebellion,  the  exhibi 
tion  of  patience,  of  endurance,  of  tenacity  of  purpose  and  undaunted 
American  manhood  and  courage  at  Valley  Forge  in  the  face  of  all  that 
tried  men's  souls,  did  for  the  cause  of  the  Revolution.  The  poverty  of  the 
one  age  left  these  scenes  as  the  Continental  army  left  them  when  it 
marched  forth  in  the  summer  of  1778  to  drive  the  enemy  from  the  land. 
The  wealth  of  the  later  age  has  made  the  fields  of  Gettysburg  a  spot  of  art. 
No  truer  exemplars  of  the  changed  condition  of  117  years  ago  now  could 
be  found  than  the  Valley  Forge  hills  and  Gettysburg.  The  men  who  trod 
these  hills  are  gone.  There  remains  no  regimental  organization  to  rear 
monuments  and  to  inscribe  thereon  the  virtues  of  the  departed.  But 
they  have  left  to  us  the  rich  heritage  of  a  Government  established  by  their 
sacrifice  and  by  their  wisdom  which  yields  to  all  law-abiding  citizens  the 
fullest  opportunities  for  individual  happiness  and  prosperity.  In  the 
enjoyment  of  the  rich  fruits  of  their  valor,  their  sufferings  and  their 
wisdom,  this  age  cannot  longer  withhold  to  make  of  this  place  an  imperish 
able  monument  to  their  virtue,  their  valor  and  their  patriotism.  To  these 
scenes,  comrades  and  veterans  of  the  I2_|.th  Regiment,  you  are  welcome, 
and  I  can  assure  you  the  pure  air,  pure  water  and  the  good  cheer  that 
Valley  Forge  can  now  furnish,  will  make  your  stay  one  more  pleasant 
to  be  remembered  than  was  that  of  your  prototypes  117  years  ago." 

After  the  address.  Chaplain  Rev.  Joseph   S.  Evans  offered  a 
fervent  and  appropriate   prayer.     The  business   meeting  of  the 

254 


] 'alley  Forge  Reunion,  18^5. 

Association  was  called  to  order  by  Colonel  Joseph  \Y.   Hawley, 
president,  who  delivered  an  address,  as  follows : 

Comrades,  surviving  members  of  the  I24th  Regiment,  P.  V.  :  I  con 
gratulate  you  that  so  many  of  us  are  in  the  providence  of  God  permitted 
to  celebrate  the  thirty-third  anniversary  of  the  Battle  ot  Antietam. 

We  meet  on  historic  grounds,  and  it  seems  well  that  we  who  fought  to 
perpetuate  the  Union  established  by  those  who  suffered  here  so  terribly 
over  a  century  ago,  should  meet  on  these  hallowed  grounds  and  renew 
our  vows  that  this  country  one  and  undivided  should  remain  as  our 
inheritance  to  our  children. 

More  than  a  century  has  passed  since  our  Revolutionary  ancestors 
camped  on  these  grounds,  and  it  seems  a  long  time,  but  when  we  recall 
that  thirty-three  years  have  passed  since  the  Battle  of  Antietam  it  reminds 
us  that  we  are  no  longer  boys,  and  should  the  bugle  call  us  to  assemble 
on  the  battlefield,  I  fear  we  would  move  with  less  enthusiasm  than  in 
1862,  and  I  even  doubt  whether  Uncle  Sam's  rations  of  hard-tack,  pork 
and  beans  would  be  eaten  with  equal  relish;  but  increasing  years  should 
impress  upon  us  the  necessity  of  guarding  the  treasures  secured  by  those 
who  suffered  here  and  for  which  the  soldiers  of  the  Rebellion  fought  so 
bravely. 

I  can  say  nothing  more  appropriate  than  to  quote  from  an  address  of 
Abraham  Lincoln,  delivered  at  Gettysburg,  when  he  said  :  "The  brave  men 
who  died  here  dedicated  these  grounds  more  sacredly  than  any  words 
of  ours ;  and  it  remains  for  us  to  dedicate  ourselves  by  the  inspiration  of 
their  example  to  the  work  that  still  lies  before  us."  So  let  us  to-day  carry 
from  this  place  of  tender  and  thrilling  memories  a  new  devotion  to  all 
that  pertains  to  an  enlightened  patriotism  and  an  intelligent  faith. 

The  officers  of  the  preceding"  year  were  re-elected.  The 
following  named  committee  was  appointed  to  make  the  necessary 
arrangements  to  hold  the  next  reunion  at  Chancellorsville : 
Colonel  Benjamin  Brooke,  Robert  M.  Green,  Colonel  Joseph  \Y. 
Hawley,  Lieutenant  William  C.  Dickey,  Charles  P.  Keech,  John 
Pugh,  Thomas  T.  Smith,  Joseph  T.  Pierce. 

Dinner  was  served  at  several  large  tables  on  the  lawn  of 
Washington  Inn,  286  participating.  A  committee  was  appointed 
to  memorialize  the  next  State  Legislature  for  an  appropriation 
to  procure  suitable  monumental  tablets  to  be  placed  on  the 
Antietam  battlefield  in  honor  of  the  Pennsylvania  regiments 
which  fought  at  Antietam  but  did  not  participate  in  the  struggle 
at  Gettysburg.  The  committee  was  as  follows :  John  \Y. 
Marshall,  Colonel  Joseph  W.  Hawley,  Benjamin  Brooke,  William 
P).  Broomall. 


Valley  Forge  Reunion,  1895. 

WASHINGTON'S   HEADQUARTERS. 

This  is  decidedly  the  most  interesting  place  at  Valley  Forge. 
This  old  pointed  stone  house  was  built  by  John  Potts,  in  1759, 
and  at  the  time  it  was  occupied  by  Washington,  belonged  to 
Isaac  Potts.  The  house  and  about  5  acres  of  ground  are  owned 
by  the  Centennial  and  Memorial  Association,  which  was  formed 
in  1878.  The  house  and  grounds  are  kept  in  good  order.  In 
front  of  the  house  is  a  large  cannon,  said  to  have  been  captured 
at  Yorktown,  and  on  the  steps  is  a  little  cannon.  A  large  cherry 
and  maple  tree  are  in  front  of  the  house,  and  a  wooden  covering 
projects  over  the  door. 

There  are  only  two  rooms  on  the  first  floor,  both  on  the  right 
as  you  go  in.  The  first  of  these  was  the  reception  or  consulting 
room.  In  front  of  the  fireplace  are  an  old  reel  and  spinning 
wheel.  There  is  a  large  case  containing  many  interesting  relics, 
among  which  are  noticed  a  bracelet  with  Washington's  hair  in  it, 
which  was  presented  by  Miss  Ellen  Sergent,  of  Philadelphia. 
Her  relatives  objected  to  the  bequest,  but  the  Orphan's  Court 
sustained  the  will.  In  this  case  is  also  a  handsome  old  pewter 
dish  of  large  size,  once  the  property  of  William  and  Mary 
Plumstead,  and  one  can  see  their  initials  upon  it.  Plumstead  was 
mayor  of  Philadelphia  from  1750  to  1755. 

Here  is  also  a  large  hammer,  once  owned  by  William  Holstein. 
Holstein  (then  a  boy),  at  the  time  a  baggagemaster  of  the  Conti 
nental  Army  came  along,  was  cracking  nuts  with  the  hammer ; 
the  hammer  was  borrowed  to  break  open  the  lock  of  the  baggage 
wagon,  as  the  key  had  been  lost.  It  was  never  used  afterwards, 
but  \vas  always  treasured,  and  was  presented  to  the  Association 
by  a  direct  descendant. 

In  this  room  hangs  a  picture  of  Dr.  Bodo  Otto,  which  is  exactly 
duplicated  in  Independence  Hall.  He  was  born  in  Hanover, 
Germany,  in  1709,  and  obtained  his  curious  Christian  name  from 
Baron  Bodo  von  Oberg.  He  left  Rotterdam,  October  7,  1752, 
and  located  in  Philadelphia.  Afterwards  he  removed  to  Berks 
County,  and  was  chosen  to  represent  it  in  the  Provincial 
Congress  in  1776.  When  Washington  came  to  Valley  Forge, 
Otto  volunteered  to  act  as  surgeon,  and  with  his  two  sons  did 
noble  service. 

256 


V alley  Forge  Reunion, 

RELICS  OF  THE  WAR  OF  THE  REVOLUTION. 

The  back  room  was  Washington's  private  room,  and  no  one 
was  allowed  to  enter  unless  his  business  was  of  great  importance. 
In  one  of  the  window  seats  is  a  drawer  where  Washington  kept 
his  books  and  papers.  Over  one  door  hangs  a  gun,  carried  by 
Isaac  McGlathery,  who  was  only  fifteen  years  old.  Over  another 
is  a  sword  captured  from  the  Hessians.  On  the  wall  is  a  letter 
from  Washington  to  Samuel  Powell,  in  a  splendid  state  of 
preservation.  In  a  case  is  a  powder  horn,  with  the  following 
inscription  upon  it :  "Jabez  Rockwell,  Ridgburg,  Connecticut. 
His  horn,  made  in  camp  at  Valley  Forge,  June  28,  1778.  Lost 
at  Yorktown,  1781."  His  grandson  has  written  on  a  piece  of 
paper  attached  to  it:  "May  it  be  sacredly  kept  is  the  wish  of  his 
grandson,  C.  F.  Rockwell." 

A  tradition  connected  with  this  horn  is  that  there  were  only  six 
horns  to  be  divided  among  ten  men,  and  that  while  an  argument 
was  going  on  Washington  came  up,  asked  the  cause  of  the 
discussion,  and  settled  the  matter  by  saying  that  he  would  give 
a  number  to  each  horn,  and  that  the  men  guessing  the  nearest 
would  get  the  horns.  The  numbers  were  1776,  1777,  and  1778, 
and  Rockwell  secured  his  by  naming  1778. 

A  fine  piece  of  pewter  \vare  is  noticed,  with  the  inscription 
upon  it,  "Rescued  from  the  British  at  the  Battle  of  Brandywine." 
This  pewter,  and  more  of  the  same  kind,  was  greatly  valued  by 
its  owner,  John  Jones,  who  lived  near  the  Brandywine  battlefield. 
It  had  been  brought  from  England  in  1620.  At  the  time  of  the 
Battle  of  Brandywine,  Jones  hid  his  pewter  in  the  loft  over  the 
barn.  A  number  of  Hessians  came  into  the  barn,  and  Jones, 
fearing  they  would  discover  his  cherished  ware,  climbed  up  the 
slide  where  hay  was  thrown  down,  and  began  to  throw  large 
quantities  upon  the  heads  of  the  Hessians  underneath.  They 
were  startled,  and  thought  the  barn  was  falling  down  on  their 
heads,  and  beat  a  hasty  retreat,  leaving  a  sword  behind  in  their 
flight.  This  sword  was  mentioned  a  short  time  before. 

Airs.  Hannah  Ogden,  a  direct  descendant  of  John  Jones,  lived1 
in  this  house  until  her  death,  which  occurred  in  1878,  after  which 
it  was  purchased  by  the  Association. 

'7  257 


I7allcy  Forge  Reunion,  189$. 

At  the  back  of  this  room  is  a  little  hall  over  3  feet  wide,  by 
which  you  get  out  of  the  house  by  a  back  door. 

In  the  hall  hangs  a  piece  of  the  old  water  wheel  which  formed 
the  power  of  the  original  Potts'  forge  in  1757. 

Ascending  the  fine  old  stairway — as  firm  to-day  as  in  Washing 
ton's  time — we  come  to  the  second  story,  in  which  the  rooms  are 
wired  off,  as  they  are  furnished. 

One  of  them  is  a  copy  of  Washington's  bedroom  at  Mount 
Yernon.  This  was  done  by  the  Yalley  Forge  Chapter,  Daughters 
of  the  American  Revolution. 

In  another  room  is  represented  a  colonial  bedroom,  the 
bedstead  with  old  sacking  bottom.  In  the  closet  is  a  warming 
pan.  In  front  of  the  fireplace  are  colonial  chairs,  reel  and 
spinning  wheel.  This  room  was  the  work  of  the  West  Chester 
Chapter  of  the  Daughters  of  the  American  Revolution. 

The  third  room  on  this  floor  contains  an  old  bedstead,  once 
belonging  to  the  family  of  Charles  Thompson,  wrho  was  the  first 
secretary  of  the  Continental  Congress.  There  is  also  a  large 
spinning  wheel  which  was  used  to  spin  wool.  In  the  hall  are 
chronological  photographs  of  paintings  of  Washington,  from 
1772  to  1798. 

The  thanks  of  the  Association  were  voted  to  General  Fisher 
for  his  address  of  welcome  and  to  the  Memorial  Commission  of 
Valley  Forge  for  the  use  of  the  grounds.  At  4.30  P.  M.  the 
veterans  and  guests  started  for  home,  after  a  very  enjoyable 
outing. 


258 


CHANCELLORSYILLE   REUNION. 

(Twelfth  Annual.) 
SEPTEMBER  17,  1896. 

The  members  and  friends  of  the  Association  left  Broad  Street 
Station,  Philadelphia,  at  7.20  A.  M.,  September  i6th,  arriving  at 
Fredericksburg  at  12.46.  Dinner  was  served  at  the  Exchange 
Hotel,  after  which  the  party  visited  the  home  of  Mary  Washing 
ton  (the  mother  of  General  George  Washington),  then  to  the 
handsome  marble  monument  recently  erected  to  her  memory,  to 
St.  George's  Church,  Cobb  Monument,  Confederate  Monument, 
Stevens  House,  and  the  battlefield  and  intrenchments  on  Maryes 
Hills ;  then  halted  for  a  while  at  the  National  Cemetery,  where 
are  buried  15,243  soldiers,  about  12,800  of  them  being  unknown. 

Most  of  the  visitors  then  returned  to  the  hotel,  while  others 
drove  to  the  Salem  Church,  the  old  flour  mill  at  the  railroad 
bridge,  the  Lacy  house,  and  the  Phillips  house,  which  was  General 
Burnside's  headquarters. 

A  pleasant  feature  was  the  courteous  reception  in  the  handsome 
rooms  of  Fredericksburg  Lodge,  No.  4,  Free  and  Accepted 
Masons,  organized  in  1752.  In  it  George  Washington  was 
crafted,  and  raised  in  1753;  afterward  he  became  master  of  a 
lodge  at  Alexandria.  The  visitors  were  shown  a  lock  of  his  hair, 
enclosed  in  a  case,  two  old  chairs  formerly  owned  by  his  mother, 
an  old  Bible,  dated  1616,  on  which  he  took  the  oath. 

On  the  following  morning  (the  I7th),  after  breakfast,  cars 
were  taken  at  the  depot  of  the  Potomac,  Fredericksburg  & 
Piedmont  Railroad ;  upon  arriving  at  Furnace  Station,  carriages 
were  in  waiting  to  convey  the  party  to  the  historic  Chancellor 
House,  where  the  i24th  had  such  a  bloody  conflict  with  the 
Confederates  on  May  2,  1863. 

Arriving  at  the  Chancellor  house,  they  were  warmly  welcomed 
by  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Yes.  Chancellor  and  their  aged  colored  servant. 
A  short  time  was  spent  in  viewing  the  old  house  and  numerous 
relics,  after  which  Comrade  C.  D.  M.  Broomhall,  Media,  Pa., 
the  historian  of  the  regiment,  with  the  aid  of  a  well-prepared 
map,  gave  an  interesting  account  of  the  Battle  of  Chancellorsville. 

259 


t.  r 

wi  "* 

£  *- 

O  " 


c    >> 


5  ^  "^ 

sl^ 

151 


^     rt 

1  6 

6 


Clianccllorsz'illc  Reunion,  1896. 

After  a  brief  address  by  Colonel  Benjamin  Brooke,  the  party 
was  driven  to  the  spot  where  Confederate  General  Thomas 
(Stonewall)  Jackson  was  shot  and  mortally  wounded  on  the 
night  of  the  battle.  Major  Lacy,  formerly  of  General  Jackson's 
Staff,  made  an  address. 

Returning  to  the  old  historic  house,  a  bountiful  lunch  was 
served  in  the  dining  room,  after  which  the  members  of  the 
Association  adjourned  to  the  shade  of  the  apple  trees  on  the  lawn, 
and  the  business  meeting  was  called  to  order  by  President  Colonel 
Joseph  W.  Hawley.  After  an  appropriate  prayer  by  Chaplain 
Joseph  S.  Evans,  Colonel  Hawley  addressed  the  members  as 
follows  : 

Comrades:  There  was  a  very  striking  difference  between  our  journey 
from  home  to  this  place  yesterday  and  the  one  we  made  in  1862.  Pullman 
cars,  with  all  the  comforts  that  modern  improvements  in  railroad  travel 
could  provide,  were  at  our  disposal  yesterday;  but  in  1862,  when  we 
reached  the  train,  we  were  happy  to  find  that  the  common  box  car  had 
not  been  displaced  by  the  cars  that  had  conveyed  to  us  the  live  cattle  that 
occasionally  tickled  our  palate.  Magnificent  dining  cars,  with  a  menu 
equal  to  the  best  hotels  in  the  country,  supplanted  Uncle  Samuel's  haver 
sack  containing  salt  pork  and  hard  tack.  We  no  longer  see  the  soldier 
standing  along  the  railroad,  but  his  place  has  been  taken  by  busy  farmers 
gathering  their  fall  crops. 

In  the  early  part  of  1863  I  laid  on  the  bank  on  the  opposite  side  of  the 
river  watching  a  brigade  of  Confederate  troops  just  in  the  rear  of  this 
city,  preparing  to  send  death  and  destruction  into  our  ranks  when  we 
should  meet  on  the  field  of  battle,  but  now  we  find  these  men  the 
warmest  friends  we  meet.  I  need  not  say  that  the  change  meets  with 
my  hearty  approval,  for  I  know  we  are  as  one  in  that  sentiment. 

It  was  not  my  privilege  to  be  with  you  in  the  Battle  of  Chancellorsville, 
as  I  was  sent  to  the  Washington  Hospital  a  few  days  before  you  left  camp, 
with  the  kindly  notice  from  one  of  our  surgeons  that  I  "would  probably 
die  before  I  reached  there."  You  will  observe  he  was  wrong  in  the 
diagnosis  of  the  case,  although  I  thought  he  was  correct  at  the  time. 

The  question  is  frequently  asked  me :  "Is  this  country  worth  \vhat  the 
war  made  it  cost?''  I  have  been  nearly  all  over  the  United  States,  and 
it  was  my  privilege  to  spend  a  two  months'  summer  vacation  this  year  in 
Europe,  where  I  enjoyed  every  minute  of  my  time,  but  I  came  home 
fully  satisfied  that  we  have  the  greatest  country  in  the  world,  and  the  best 
place  for  the  man  who  earns  his  bread,  as  we  all  have  to  do.  I  want  no 
better  place  to  live  in,  and  surely  will  be  willing  to  close  life's  journey 
here,  but  we  must  be  watchful  that  the  flag  under  which  we  fought,  and 
for  which  many  gave  up  their  lives,  is  kept  unsullied. 

261 


Chancellors-Lille  Reunion,  1896. 

The  officers  of  the  preceding  year  were  re-elected,  except  that 
Colonel  Benjamin  Brooke  was  unanimously  chosen  vice-president, 
to  fill  the  vacancy  caused  by  the  death  of  Captain  Charles  \Y. 
Roberts,  who  had  served  the  Association  as  vice-president  since 
its  organization  in  1885. 

Chaplain  Evans  reported  the  deaths  of  Captain  Charles  W. 
Roberts,  Lieutenant  Ralph  Buckley,  and  Corporal  Evan  E. 
\Yoodward,  and  after  reading  the  report  of  the  Memorial  Com 
mittee,  spoke  as  follows : 

"Thus,  comrades.  we  are  reminded  as  each  anniversary  comes  to  us 
that  our  ranks  are  being  decimated,  and  it  is  a  solemn  fact  that  there  can 
be  no  recruits  here  to  fill  up  the  vacant  places.  As  each  soldier  falls  from 
the  ranks,  that  name,  when  the  roll  is  called,  responds  no  more  forever, 
and  each  year  as  the  lines  are  thinning  we  are  made  to  realize  that  it  will 
not  be  very  long  until  the  last  man  will  celebrate  the  returning  anniversary 
alone,  wherever  the  day  may  find  him,  until  at  last  he,  too,  will  receive 
the  summons  to  be  mustered  out.  Thus,  it  seems  to  me,  that  each  recur 
ring  year  makes  our  meeting  more  sacred.  Our  hearts  are  growing  more 
mellow  as  our  weary  bodies  grow  older.  If  possible,  our  affections  grow; 
stronger  and  our  attachments  more  binding  for  each  other.  May  we  not, 
in  view  of  all  this,  remember  to  live,  act  and  serve,  day  by  day,  so  that 
at  last,  when  we  shall  live  here  only  in  the  loving  memories  of  those 
who  have  known  and  who  have  survived  us,  we  may  be  welcomed  by 
the  Great  Commander  of  all  the  redeemed,  to  fill  the  ranks  of  His 
eternal  hosts  in  glory,  and  there  know  and  greet  each  other  as  comrades 
never  more  to  be  separated." 

It  was  decided  to  hold  the  next  reunion  at  Paoli  battlefield. 
After  supper,  the  party  congregated  on  the  balcony  and  front 
steps  of  the  hotel  and  were  serenaded  by  a  number  of  young 
colored  folks.  On  Friday  morning  (i8th)  a  delightful  ride  in 
carriages  was  taken  along  the  Rappahannock  River,  returning  to 
the  hotel  for  dinner,  and  at  1.44  the  train  was  boarded  for  the 
homeward  journey,  reaching  Philadelphia  at  7.51. 

Much  of  the  pleasure  of  the  trip  was  due  to  Colonel  Benjamin 
Brooke,  the  popular  chairman  of  the  Executive  Committee.  He 
took  great  interest  in  securing  enjoyment  for  all,  and  was  untiring 
in  his  efforts  for  the  success  of  the  reunion. 


262 


CHARLES  W.  ROBERTS. 


CHARLES     W.     ROBERTS. 


Born  in  East  Goshen,  Chester 
County,  Pa.,  June  8,  1839.  Clus 
tered  into  Company  A,  of  the  I24th, 
as  second  lieutenant,  August  12, 

1862.  Promoted  to  captain,  August 
1 6th,  and  served  with  the  regiment 
during  the  full  term  of  enlistment, 
and    was    mustered    out    May    17, 

1863.  Re-enlisted    as    captain    in 
43d  Pennsylvania  Emergency  Regi- 

.  ment,  and  served  with  it  during  the 
Gettysburg  Campaign. 

He.  was  a  brave  and  efficient 
officer,  much  beloved  by  the  mem 
bers  of  the  company  and  by  the  officers  of  the  regiment.  He 
was  well  and(  widely  known  in  the  community  in  which  he  was 
born  and  spent  the  years  of  his  life.  He  was  a  large-hearted, 
philanthropic  man,  and  was  honored  with  many  positions  of  trust. 
From  the  time  of  the  organization  of  the  Regimental  Associa 
tion,  he  was  an  active  participant  in  all  its  affairs,  and  ever  had 
its  best  interests  at  heart,  and  at  the  time  of  his  death,  December 
19,  1895,  he  was  vice-president  of  the  Association  and  a  member 
of  the  Committee  to  Devise  Means  for  the  Erection  of  Our 
Monument. 

His  widow,  Mrs.  Mary  E.  Roberts,  his  daughter,  Josephine, 
and  his  son,  George  W.,  attended  the  dedication  of  the  monu 
ment,  September  17,  1904,  at  Antietam,  and  expressed  their 
pleasure  in  having  contributed  in  aid  of  its  erection. 


265 


PAOLI    REUNION. 

(Thirteenth  Annual.) 

SEPTEMBER  17,  1897. 

Arriving  at  Malvern  Station,  the  veterans  formed  double 
column  and  marched  to  the  monument  grounds,  headed  by  the 
band  from  Glen  Mills  School.  The  ladies  were  conveyed  in 
carriages. 

After  the  usual  handshaking  and  brotherly  greeting  of 
comrades,  the  annual  business  meeting  of  the  Association  was 
called  to  order  at  the  rostrum  in  the  grove  by  President  Colonel 
Joseph  W.  Hawley.  Chaplain  Rev.  Joseph  S.  Evans  offered  a 


MONUMENT    AT    PAOLI. 


266 


Paoli  Reunion,  1897. 

fervent  and  appropriate  prayer,  after  which  the  secretary  read 
a  report  of  the  meeting  and  trip  to  Chancellorsville  last  year. 

The  Obituary  Committee  reported  the  deaths  of  thirteen 
comrades  since  the  last  annual  meeting,  as  follows :  William  A. 
Guest,  Thomas  J.  Brinton,  Aloses  Williams,  James  Moore, 
Horatio  X.  Platt,  Elisha  N.  Newlin,  Lewis  Wilson,  James 
Burnett,  James  O'Xeil,  Joshua  M.  Booth,  Alfred  Alullin,  William 
J.  Crowther,  David  W.  Eyre. 

The  following  amendment  to  the  By-Laws  was  offered  by 
Secretary  Charles  P.  Keech :  "That  honorary  membership  may 
be  accorded  to  the  wives,  widows,  and  children  of  members  of 
the  society,  or,  in  special  cases,  for  services  rendered  the  society 
by  others  than  members ;  in  either  case,  the  applicant  shall  be 
endorsed  by  two  members  of  the  society,  the  application  to  be 
presented  to  the  secretary,  and  by  him  laid  before  the  society, 
when  a  majority  vote  shall  elect  to  honorary  membership,  and 
that  the  dues  be  50  cents  per  annum.''  The  resolution  was 
adopted,  and  the  following  were  named  and  unanimously  elected 
honorary  members  : 

Airs.  Colonel  Joseph  W.  Hawley        Lt.  Thos.  AlcCamant,  i25th  P.  V. 

.Airs.  Robert  AI.  Green  S.  AI.  Whistler,  i3Oth  P.  V. 

Airs.  William  A.  Cheyney  Captain  Amos  Bonsall 

Airs.  George  W.  Ayres  Mr.  and  Airs.  George  Keys 

Airs.  John  A.  Rupert  Mrs.    Bernard   Hawley 

Airs.  George  W.  Channell  Joseph  S.  Evans,  Jr. 

Airs.  John  Pngh  Airs.  Henry  B.  Black 

Jesse  W.  Bailey  Airs.  John  D.  Howard 

Airs.  John  H.  Bailey  Aliss  Anna  Harry 

Aliss  Josephine  Roberts  Airs.  Alargaret  Smedley 

Joseph   C.  Jones  Air.  and  Airs.  Henry  Riddle 

Airs.  Mary  F.  Clark  Air.  and  Airs.  George  S.  Cheyney 

Aliss    Bertie   Thompson  Aliss  Helen  Cheyney 

Airs.    John   Alott  Airs.  George  D.  Aliller 

Airs.   Charles-  W.  Roberts  Airs.  John  L.  Grim 

George  W.  Roberts  Dr.  C.  H.  Baker,  2Qth  P.  V. 

Airs.    Alargaret   Burk  Aliss  Aladella  Cheetham 

George  B.  AlcCormick 

Dr.  S.  M.  Whistler,  Bainbridge,  Pa.,  secretary  of  the  1301!! 
Pennsylvania  Volunteers'  Association,  was  called  upon,  and  said : 

Comrades  :  It  gives  me  much  pleasure  to  meet  you  old  soldiers  to-day. 
I  feel  that  we  have  been  acquainted  many  years ;  back  to  the  spring  of 

267 


Paoli  Reunion,  1897. 

1863,  about  May  3d,  when  the  regiment  was  supporting  a  battery  along 
the  road  near  the  Chancellor  house.  Our  regiment  got  lost  somewhere, 
and  I  became  mixed  up  with  Company  A,  of  the  12/j.th  Regiment.  I 
thought  they  were  going  to  have  a  hot  fight  soon,  and  so  I  staid  with 
them.  My  diary  now  informs  me  that  I  fired  55  cartridges  that  day. 

With  my  friend,  Lieutenant  McCamant.  of  the  I25th  Regiment,  I  am 
interested  in  securing  monuments  for  the  battlefields,  and  am  also  interested 
in  the  Lutheran  Church  at  Sharpsburg,  Md.  This  church  was  built  in 
1768,  and  wras  used  as  a  Federal  hospital  in  1862-3.  It  is  proposed  to 
replace  this  old  edifice  with  a  nice,  new  building — The  Holy  Trinity 
Memorial  Church,  to  the  memory  of  the  Federal  soldiers  who  fought  and 
fell  at  the  battle  of  Antietam,  September  I7th,  1862.  My  regiment  placed 
in  the  new  building  an  art  window  emblematic  of  war  and  peace,  and  I 
want  the  I24th  to  place  the  other  window.  It  will  cost  about  $100. 

The  following  officers  were  elected: 

President,  Colonel  Joseph  W.  Hawley. 
Vice-President,  Colonel  Benjamin  Brooke. 
Chaplain,  Rev.  Joseph  S.  Evans. 
Secretary,  Charles  P.  Keech. 
Treasurer,  Joel  Hollingsworth. 

On  motion,  it  was  decided  to  hold  the  next  reunion  at 
Gettysburg,  and  Colonel  Benjamin  Brooke  was  appointed  chair 
man  of  the  Committee  of  Arrangements.  It  was  agreed  to  start 
on  Friday,  September  i6th,  and  return  on  the  following  Sunday. 

Dinner  was  served  at  several  long  tables  under  the  trees,  after 
which  the  camp  fire  was  started.  Addresses  were  made  by 
Colonel  Hawley,  Rev.  Mr.  String,  Lieutenant  Thomas 
McCamant,  George  W.  Channell,  William  Hanby,  August 
Donath,  Captain  Norris  L.  Yarnall,  and  others.  Corporal  Tom 
Kay,  of  the  i24th,  sang  "The  Grand  Army  Button,"  "From  '61 
to  '65,"  and  "The  Old  Coffee  Kettle."  A  vote  of  thanks  was 
extended  to  the  Washington  Troop  for  the  use  of  their  armory, 
and  at  4.35  the  meeting  adjourned. 


268 


DAVID   WILSON   EYRE. 

Son  of  Jonas  (Preston)  and  Rebecca  (Wilson)  Eyre,  was 
born  near  Chester,  Pa.,  December  2,  1832.  The  farm  upon  which 
his  father  resided  had  been  continuously  in  the  family  since  his 
ancestor,  Robert  Eyre,  settled  upon  it  when  he  came  from 
England,  in  1648. 

On  June  22,  1854,  he  married  Mary  Phipps  Swayne,  youngest 
daughter  of  Aaron  and  Alary  (Phipps)  Swayne,  Darby,  Pa. 

He  served  as  corporal  in  Company  D,  of  the  I24th,  from  the 
time  of  its  enlistment  until  it  was  mustered  out. 

In  private  life  he  not  only  took  an  active  interest  in  business, 
but  was  for  many  years  a  consistent  member  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church. 

In  February,  1896,  stomach  trouble  developed,  and  gradually 
grew  worse,  until  the  24th  of  April,  of  the  same  year,  he  passed 
away. 

The  historian  received  from  the  family  an  extract  from  his 
diary  relating  to  the  Battle  of  Antietam ;  it  tends  to  show  how 
very  limited  the  experience  of  a  private  soldier  is  in  a  great  battle 
in  which  thousands  of  tons  of  ammunition  are  fired  and  tens  of 
thousands  of  men  killed  and  wounded. 

The  extract  is  as  follows : 

September  i6th,  1862.  Tuesday — We  marched  across  the  country  about 
one  and  a  half  miles — came  in  sight  of  where  there  was  fighting.  We 
laid  there  in  a  field  till  night.  About  10  o'clock  at  night  we  were  called  up 
to  get  ready  to  march.  We  moved  off  very  quietly  in  the  dark  for  about 
one  mile.  We  were  finally  drawn  up  in  line  in  a  plowed  field,  when  we 
stacked  arms  and  laid  till  morning  within  one-half  mile  of  the  enemy. 

September  ijth.  At  6  o'clock  the  dreadful  battle  of  Sharpsburg 
(Antietam)  commenced.  Our  regiment  was  ordered  to  advance.  We 
marched  by  column  across  two  fields  when  we  were  formed  in  line  of 
battle  and  marched  forward  to  about  the  middle  of  a  cornfield  where  we 
get  into  a  cross  fire  of  the  enemy.  Our  Colonel  was  wounded  and  a 
number  of  men  killed.  The  bullets  showered  in  among  us  like  hail,  and 
our  comrades  dropped  on  every  hand.  We  were  forced  back,  and  our 
whole  regiment  was  scattered.  A  part  of  it  under  command  of  Captain 
Yarnall  was  ordered  into  the  cornfield  to  support  a  battery.  The  most 
of  the  regiment  was  gathered  together  under  the  command  of  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  Litzenberg.  When  we  encamped  for  the  night,  we  found  that  many 
had  been  killed  and  wounded. 

2/1 


Photo  ly  Tipton. 


A  REMINDER  OF  THE  WAR. 
Trees   shattered  by  bullets. 


GETTYSBURG    REUNION. 
(Fourteenth  Annual.) 
SEPTEMBER  17,  1898. 

A  special  train  of  five  cars  left  Broad  Street  Station,  Philadel 
phia,  at  8.30  A.  M.,  of  the  i/th,  arriving  at  Gettysburg  shortly 
after  i  P.  M.  There  were  more  than  200  in  the  party,  and  each 
one  was  provided  with  a  white  silk  badge,  upon  which  was  a 
crescent  and  a  silver  star,  and  the  following  inscription  in  blue 
ink : 

Fourteenth  Annual  Reunion  of  the  Society  of  the  I24th 
Regiment,  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  at  Gettysburg,  Pa.,  Septem 
ber  17,  1898. 

Accommodations  had  been  secured  at  the  Hotel  Gettysburg, 
and  dinner  awaited  our  arrival.  After  partaking  of  same,  the 
party  was  driven  over  that  part  of  the  battlefield  covered  by  the 
first  day's  fight. 

Through  the  courtesy  of  Corporal  Kelly,  Post  No.  9,  the 
business  meeting  of  the  Association  \vas  held  in  their  Post  room, 
in  the  evening.  The  meeting  was  opened  with  an  appropriate 
prayer  by  Chaplain  Joseph  S.  Evans,  followed  by  the  reading  of 
the  minutes,  by  Secretary  Keech,  of  the  reunion  held  at  Paoli 
last  year,  after  which  Chaplain  Evans,  on  behalf  of  the  Obituary 
Committee,  reported  the  deaths  of  the  following  named  comrades : 

George  D.  Farra  Joshua  W.  Booth 

Alexander  E.  Crozier  Abraham  Brubaker 

James  D.  Piard  Anderson  Fielding 

Robert  J.  Hanby  Charles  W.  Treen 

John  W.  Crothers  Allen  Davis 

Chaplain  Evans  announced  that  a  memorial  window,  in  honor 
of  the  1 24th,  had  been  placed  in  the  Trinity  Lutheran  Church,  at 
Sharpsburg,  and  that  four  members  of  the  Association  had 
advanced  the  sum  of  $no  to  pay  for  same. 

The  following  officers  were  re-elected : 

President,  Colonel  Joseph  W.  Hawley. 
Vice-President,   Colonel  Benjamin   Brooke. 
Secretary,  Charles  P.  Keech. 
Treasurer,  Joel  Hollingsworth. 

1 8  273 


Gettysburg  Reunion,  1898. 

In  accepting  the  re-election  to  the  presidency,  Colonel  Hawley 
spoke  as  follows : 

Comrades,  Ladies  and  Gentlemen  :  Great  changes  have  taken  place  since 
our  last  reunion.  We  then  met  upon  grounds  made  memorable  by  an  attack 
of  Great  Britain  in  its  war  to  keep  this  country  in  subjugation.  To-day 
that  same  nation  is  seeking  by  all  honorable  means  to  form  an  alliance 
both  offensive  and  defensive  with  us,  recognizing  that  we  have  grown  to 
be  one  of  the  greatest  and  strongest  nations  of  the  world. 

We  now  meet  upon  ground  hallowed  by  the  memory  of  those  who  shed 
their  blood  in  1863  that  these  United  States  founded  in  1776  might  be 
perpetuated  and  kept  undivided. 

During  the  past  five  months  another  war  has  been  waging,  great  battles 
have  been  fought,  a  nation's  navy  has  been  destroyed,  her  armies  have 
been  driven  out  of  the  West  Indies  and  Philippine  Islands,  and  peace  has 
once  more  been  established.  The  conquerors  are  those  who  on  this  field  of 
Gettysburg  were  deadly  enemies,  but  who  now  vie  with  each  other  in  their 
desire  to  show  their  love  for  their  country. 

It  is  difficult  for  all  except  the  old  soldiers  to  understand  how  those 
who  were  once  such  bitter  enemies  can  now  fight  side  by  side  under  the 
same  flag  and  for  the  same  cause.  When  the  War  of  the  Rebellion  closed 
at  Appomattox,  it  closed  forever,  for  the  soldiers  who  sat  down  with  their 
late  foes,  spread  their  haversacks  and  shared  their  rations. 

This  Spanish  war  has  closely  cemented  all  sections  of  our  country,  a 
fact  which  the  world  at  large  has  discovered.  So  when  our  army  and 
navy  shall  be  increased  to  their  proper  strength  we  will  hear  no  more  of 
war  or  rumors  of  war. 

Hoping  that  the  time  that  you  are  here  will  be  pleasantly  spent  and  that 
all  may  be  spared  to  meet  at  our  reunions  for  many  years,  I  will  stand 
aside  and  make  room  for  others  who  will  address  you. 

The  following  appointments  were  announced : 

Executive  Committee:  Thomas  T.  Smith,  Robert  AI.  Green, 
John  D.  Howard,  Harry  \Yells,  and  John  W.  Marshall. 

Chaplain,  Rev.  Joseph  S.  Evans. 

Historian,  C.  D.  M.  Broomhall. 

Obituary  Committee  :  Chaplain  Evans,  Robert  M.  Green,  and 
Thomas  T.  Smith. 

After  considerable  discussion,  it  was  decided  to  hold  the  next 
reunion  at  Reading,  on  Saturday,  September  16,  1899.  Immedi 
ately  after  the  conclusion  of  the  business  meeting,  a  camp  fire 
was  inaugurated,  with  President  Hawley  as  master  of  ceremonies. 

Colonel    Benjamin    Brooke    had    secured    the    services    of   the 

2/4 


Gettysburg  Reunion,  1898. 

"Dewey  Mandolin  Club/'  recently  from  Manila ;  they  gave  a 
number  of  vocal  and  instrumental  selections,  which  were  heartily 
applauded. 

Speeches  were  made  by  Prof.  George  W.  Channell,  of  Pine 
Grove;  Captain  Isaac  Johnson,  of  Media,  of  the  29th  Pennsyl 
vania  Volunteer  Militia ;  Horace  P.  Green,  of  Media ;  John  L. 
Grim,  Captain  Amos  Bonsall,  of  the  3ist  Pennsylvania  Volun 
teers;  George  W.  Ferree,  of  the  i/th  Pennsylvania  Cavalry,  and 
Captain-  Xorris  L.  Yarnall. 

The  audience  sang  "The  Star-spangled  Banner."  A  vote  of 
thanks  was  extended  to  Post  9  for  its  courtesy,  and  the  benedic 
tion  was  pronounced  by  Captain  Yarnall. 

On  Sunday  morning,  under  the  guidance  of  Captain  Long, 
the  excursionists  were  driven  to  Cemetery  Hill,  Gulp's  Hill, 
Spangler's  Spring,  National  Cemetery,  Wheat  Field,  Peach  Or 
chard,  Devil's  Den,  Little  Round  Top,  Meade's  headquarters, 
and  many  other  places  of  interest.  The  drive  required  nearly 
five  hours,  and  extended  about  twenty  miles. 

The  excursionists  returned  to  their  homes  on  Monday,  all  ex 
pressing  themselves  as  delighted  with  the  trip. 

The  complete  list  of  those  who  registered  with  Secretary 
Keech  is  as  follows : 

Field  and  Staff — Colonel  Joseph  AY.  Hawley,  Chaplain  Joseph 
S.  Evans. 

Company  A — Charles  D.  Patterson,  Bernard  Hawley,  Lewis 
R.  Nichols,  A.  J.  Gill,  Harmon  G.  Bond,  Samuel  Byers,  Joseph 
Pierce. 

Company  B — Edward  D.  Sipler,  William  Major,  Jacob  Barlow, 
George  W.  Ayres. 

Company  C — David  E.  Kirk,  \Yilliam  A.  Fleming,  John  A. 
Rupert. 

Company  D — Joseph  Pratt,  William  Gamble,  James  Sorber, 
Charles  Esrey,  Edward  B.  Green,  Lorenzo  F.  Davis,  William 
Hoopes,  Edward  Jackson,  Brinton  J.  Heyburn,  Benjamin  T. 
Green,  Charles  D.  M.  Broomhall,  John  Pugh,  Charles  Moore, 
Jesse  Darlington,  Norris  L.  Yarnall,  Colonel  Benjamin  Brooke, 
William  Davidson,  John  L.  Grim,  Joel  Hollings worth,  George  D. 
Miller,  John  D.  Howard,  Henry  C.  Warburton,  James  Cheetham. 

275 


Gettysburg  Reunion,  1898. 

Company  E — Elias  W.  Copeland,  Oliver  R.-  Patterson,  James 
Wilson,  Edward  T.  Harlan,  John  Epright,  George  F.  Baily, 
Samuel  J.  Thompson,  William  Mercer,  E.  R.  Griffith,  William 
H.  Burns. 

Company  F — Townsend  E.  Mercer,  Cyrus  J.  Burnett,  John  S. 
Baldwin,  Joseph  W.  Martin,  I.  Walton  Martin,  W.  W.  Potts, 
Mifflin  W.  Bailey,  Peter  Gamble,  Thomas  T.  Smith,  Reese  M. 
Bailey,  Caleb  S.  James,  C.  P.  Keech,  Evan  A.  Mercer. 

Company  G— William  D.  Webster,  Wilmer  Wood,  W7.  H. 
Houck. 

Company  H — John  Mott,  John  Standring,  Robert  M.  Green, 
William  Trainer,  Jr.,  Joseph  Arment,  Charles  Bonsall. 

Company  I — Nicholas  Garrigan. 

Company  K — James  E.  Ingram,  H.  C.  Wells,  William  Kane, 
George  W.  Channell,  George  L.  Osborne,  Enos  C.  Baker,  John  H. 
Bailev,  George  W.  Shoemaker. 


276 


READING  REUNION. 
(Fifteenth  Annual.) 
SEPTEMBER  16,  1899. 

Arriving  at  Reading,  the  excursionists,  to  the  number  of  157, 
were  transferred  by  trolley  cars  to  the  Highland  House  on 
Mount  Neversink.  After  dinner  the  business  meeting  was  called 
to  order  by  President  Colonel  Joseph  W.  Hawley,  and  prayer 
offered  by  Chaplain  Rev.  Joseph  S.  Evans. 

Colonel  Hawley  made  a  touching  reference  to  the  death  of 
Charles  P.  Keech,  late  Secretary  of  the  Association,  and  paid 
a  glowing  tribute  to  his  memory  and  his  services.  It  was  then 
decided  to  enter  into  the  election  of  a  secretary  to  fill  the 
vacancy.  Robert  M.  Green  nominated  John  W.  Marshall  and 
Harry  C.  Wells  named  John  H.  Bailey.  The  balloting  resulted 
— Marshall  38,  Bailey  23.  Comrade  Marshall  was  declared 
elected,  and  at  once  assumed  the  duties  of  the  office. 

The  secretary  read  an  interesting  account  of  last  year's  re 
union;  after  which  Thomas  T.  Smith,  chairman  of  the  Execu 
tive  Committee,  stated  that  Colonel  Benjamin  Brooke  and  Com 
rade  Marshall  were  entitled  to  all  the  credit  for  having  arranged 
the  details  for  the  success  of  the  present  reunion. 

The  Obituary  Committee  reported  the  deaths  of  the  following 
comrades  since  the  last  reunion : 

Clement  Cooper,  of  Company  E Died  March  22d,  iSgg. 

John  Mott,  of  Company  H "  "     ijth,  1899. 

Charles  W.  Wilson,  of  Company  C "       Nov.  I3th.  1898. 

Joseph  Baldwin,  of  Company  I "       Aug.  nth,  1899. 

Lieutenant  William  C.  Dickey,  of  Company  C "       April  i8th,  1899. 

Charles  P.  Keech,  of  Company  F "       June    4th,  1899. 

In  connection  with  the  death  of  Comrade  Keech,  the  com 
mittee  submitted  the  following : 

Your  committee,  while  conscious  that  each  brave  comrade  that 
bared  his  breast  to  the  shaft  of  death  in  defense  of  our  glorious 

277 


Reading  Reunion,  i8c>(). 

flag  and  country  in  the  time  of  her  greatest  peril,  is  entitled  to  all 
glory  and  honor  from  a  grateful  nation  when  the  silent  mustering 
officer  Death  comes  with  his  discharge,  and  while  we  do,  with 
intense  sympathy,  desire  to  convey  to  the  relatives  and  friends 
of  those  departed  ones  our  fraternal  interest  in  their  bereave 
ments,  yet  we  cannot  but  feel  that  among  all  those  who  have 
been  mustered  out  of  our  ranks  during  the  past  year,  no  one  \a 
entitled  to  more  honor  than  our  faithful,  tireless  secretary, 
Charles  P.  Keech. 

From  the  time  of  our  organization  as  a  Regimental  Association, 
at  our  first  meeting  held  on  historic  ground  at  the  "Paoli 
Monument"  where  our  noble,  self-sacrificing  revolutionary 
fathers  gave  up  their  lives  in  behalf  of  our  National  independence 
—to  the  time  of  his  sudden  death,  he  was  the  secretary  of  our 
Association,  chosen  from  year  to  year,  because  of  his  untiring 
efforts  to  fill  the  place  to  the  best  interests  of  the  Association. 

Many  of  us  well  know  that  when  the  time  of  our  annual 
gathering  drew  near  he  was  instant  in  season  and  out  of  season 
in  his  efforts  to  make  the  meeting  a  successful  one.  I  am  very 
sure  that  most  of  our  members,  if  not  all,  will  bear  me  out  in 
saying  that  he  was  indefatigable  in  trying  to  have  each  and  all 
members  notified,  asking  them  to  manifest  their  interest  in  the 
regiment  and  the  Association,  by  paying  their  annual  dues,  and  by 
attending  so  far  as  possible  the  annual  gatherings.  He  was  also 
anxious  that  we  should,  as  an  Association,  have  compiled  a  true 
history  of  the  regiment  that  might  go  down  to  posterity  as  a 
record  of  which  no  member  could  be  ashamed.  But  in  the  midst 
of  the  earnest  desires  of  his  heart,  the  silent  officer  Death  came 
in  a  moment  least  expected,  and  mustered  him  out  of  our 
ranks. 

To-day  we  sincerely  mourn  his  loss.  We  honor  his  memory. 
We  desire  to  place  on  record  our  unfeigned  appreciation  of  his 
faithfulness  to  all  that  he  deemed  to  be  for  the  best  interests  of 
our  Association.  We  also  desire  to  express  the  heart-felt  sym 
pathy  of  this  Association  for  the  beloved  wife  and  daughter  of 
our  deceased  comrade,  in  their  sad  bereavement.  We  recommend 
that  a  copy  of  this  report  be  sent  to  the  widow  of  our  comrade, 
and  that  a  record  of  the  same  be  inscribed  upon  our  minutes. 

278 


On  motion  of  John  L.  Grim,  the  following  officers  were 
elected : 

President,  Colonel  Joseph  W.  Hauler. 
Vice-President,  Colonel  Benjamin  Brooke. 
Secretary,  John   W.    Marshall. 
Treasurer,  Joel   Hollingsworth. 
Chaplain,  Rev.  Joseph  S.  Evans. 

The  president  being  called  upon  spoke  as  follows : 

''I  suppose  at  this  time  a  speech  of  some  sort  is  expected  from  some  of 
us  who  have  just  been  elected.  I  thank  you,  comrades,  for  the  honor  of 
again  becoming  president  of  the  Association.  I  have  been  colonel  of  your 
regiment,  and  am  an  official  of  a  bank.  I  am  told  we  are  u,_|OO  feet  above 
sea  level,  so  I  can  say  that  this  is  the  highest  elevation  to  which  I  have 
ever  been  elected.  It  gives  me  great  pleasure  to  accept  the  honor." 

It  was  decided  to  hold  the  next  reunion  at  Antietam. 

Historian,  C.  D.  M.  Broomhall,  was  called  upon  and  started  to 
read  that  portion  of  the  history  of  the  regiment  pertaining  to  its 
participation  in  the  Battle  of  Antietam,  but  shortly  after  he  com 
menced  to  read  the  trolley  cars  arrived  to  take  the  party  back  to 
Reading  and  the  meeting  was  abruptly  brought  to  a  close.  Ar 
riving  at  Reading,  the  excursionists  took  the  6.30  train  and 
were  soon  home\vard  bound,  delighted  with  the  day's  pleasures. 


viv 

tfy^) 


279 


V        &£~4-^_ 


Born  at  Marshallton,  Chester  county,  Pennsylvania,  April  30, 
1843.  One  °f  tne  originators  of  our  Regimental  Association,  he 
faithfully  served  as  its  secretary  until  death  suddenly  removed 
him  on  the  24th  of  June,  1899,  and  when  the  Silent  Mustering 
Officer  came  with  his  discharge,  we  sincerely  mourned  his  loss. 
We  still  honor  his  memory,  and  we  pay  this  tribute  to  his  untiring 
efforts  for  the  best  interests  of  the  Association  and  to  his  loyalty 
to  his  comrades. 

The  records  of  the  Regimental  Association  reunions  con 
tained  herein  are  largely  due  to  his  fidelity  as  secretary. 

He  was  a  member  of  the  Monument  Committee  appointed  at 
the  reunion  of  the  Association  September  17,  1889. 

280 


LIEUTENANT     COMPANY     C,     I24TH. 
CAPTAIN    COMP/NY    A,    2QTH    P.    V.    M. 


WILLIAM  C.  DICKEY. 


1862. 


Born  at  Hopewell,  C  Hester 
county,  Pa.,  March  31,  1840.  En 
listed  August  13,  1862,  as  second 
lieutenant  of  Company  C  of  the 
1 24th.  Promoted  to  first  lieutenant 
of  the  same  company  August  23, 
1862.  Served  with  distinction  dur 
ing  the  entire  term  for  which  the 
regiment  enlisted  and  was  mustered 
out  with  his  command  May  17, 
1863. 

Re-enlisted  in  June,  1863;  was 
commissioned  captain  of  Company 
A,  Twenty  -  ninth  Pennsylvania 

Emergency  Regiment  and  served  with  the  regiment  until  it  dis 
banded  in  August  of  the  same  year. 

A  brave  and  efficient  officer,  his  promotions  were  won  by  merit. 
From  the  date  of  its  organization  to  the  time  of  his  death 
(April  18,  1899),  he  was  an  active  member  of  the  I24th  Regi 
mental  Association  and  was  one  of  the  committee  appointed  at 
the  reunion  in  Wilmington,  Delaware,  September  17,  1899, 
to  secure  ground  for  the  erection  of  a  tablet  at  Antietam.  Like 
many  other  of  his  comrades,  he  was  called  to  answer  the  final 
roll-call  before  the  fruition  of  our  hopes  could  be  realized.  The 
thanks  of  the  survivors  are  due  to  his  widow,  Mrs.  Mary  A. 
Dickey,  for  her  generous  contribution  in  aid  of  the  Monument 
Fund.  When  participating  in  the  excursion  to  dedicate  the 
monument  she  expressed  her  pleasure  in  having  assisted  in  its 
erection. 


ANTIETAM  REUNION. 
(Sixteenth  Annual.) 
SEPTEMBER  17,  1900. 

Arriving  at  Harper's  Ferry  September  I5th,  headquarters  were 
established  at  the  Hill  Top  House  and  the  Association  was 
called  to  order  at  8  P.  M.  by  President  Colonel  Joseph  W. 
Hawley,  and  prayer  was  offered  by  Chaplain  Rev.  Joseph  S. 
Evans.  Minutes  of  the  last  reunion  were  read  by  Secretary 
Marshall  and  approved.  Colonel  Benjamin  Brooke  made  report 
of  the  wrork  of  the  Executive  Committee.  The  report  of  the 
Obituary  Committee  showed  the  loss  of  seventeen  comrades  by 
death  since  the  last  meeting".  The  officers  of  the  preceding  year 
wrere  re-elected.  The  meeting  closed  after  benediction  by  Captain 
Norris  L.  Yarnall,  88  years  of  age. 

Sunday  dawned  brightly,  and  after  the  party  had  been  photo 
graphed,  carriages  wrere  taken  for  London  Valley,  where  the 
regiment  was  encamped  for  several  months  after  the  Battle  of 
Antietam.  After  dinner,  some  visited  the  lofty  Maryland 
Heights  and  viewed  the  site  of  the  old  batteries.  In  the  evening 
Chaplain  Evans  conducted  divine  services  in  the  pavilion  on  the 
lawn  at  Hill  Top.  Colonel  F.  H.  Nibecker,  superintendent  of 
Glen  Mills  School,  gave  an  instructive  and  entertaining  address 
on  "The  Power  of  God''  with  reference  to  the  recent  calamity  at 
Galveston,  Texas. 

After  breakfast  on  the  i/th,  the  route  to  Antietam  was  re 
sumed  by  train  to  Keedysville,  thence  by  carriages  to  the  many 
points  of  interest  on  that  memorable  battlefield,  where  the  I24th 
within  five  weeks  after  having  left  their  peaceful  homes  were 
ushered  into  the  awful  realities  of  actual  war,  with  a  loss  of  64 
killed  and  wounded,  among  the  latter  being  Colonel  Hawley. 

The  Association  gave  Colonel  Benjamin  Brooke  a  hearty  vote 
•of  thanks  for  his  services  in  arranging  so  satisfactory  an  excur 
sion  for  the  reunion,  and  Colonel  Hawley  appointed  him  chair 
man  of  the  Executive  Committee  with  power  to  select  his  asso 
ciates  to  arrange  for  the  reunion  to  be  held  at  Castle  Rocks  Park 
on  September  17,  1901.  Subsequently  he  named  the  following 

284 


Antietam  Rcnnuni,  7000. 

as  his  co-workers  on  the  committee :  Thomas  T.  Smith,  Robert 
(;.  Woodside,  E.  H.  Baldwin,  Robert  M.  Green,  Henry  C.  War- 
burton,  Joseph  Pratt,  John  Pugh,  Joel  Hollingsworth,  John  D. 
Howard,  William  \Y.  Potts. 

The  following  is  a  copy  of  circular  distributed  to  the  excur 
sionists  by  Colonel  Benjamin  Brooke,  chairman  of  the  Executive 
Committee  in  charge  of  the  excursion  : 

PROGRAM  AND  CARRIAGE  ROUTE. 

Of  the   Survivors  and   Friends   of   I24th   Pennsylvania  Regiment  over 
Antietam   Battlefield    on 

MONDAY   MORNING,   SKPTEMBEK   17,   1900. 

Carriages  from  Keedysville  Station  through  the  town,  passing  the 
Reformed  Church,  built  on  the  site  of  the  old  one  that  was  filled  with 
Union  soldiers  who  were  wounded  at  the  battle  of  Antietam ;  to  the  edge 
of  town  where  you  have  a  view  of  the  greater  portion  of  the  ground 
occupied  as  a  camping  ground  on  the  nights  of  the  I5th,  :6th,  and  a  part 
of  the  i/th,  also  where  the  main  part  of  McClellan's  wagon  train  lay  during 
the  battle,  the  McClellan  Headquarters  building  (known  as  the  Philip 
Pry  House)  just  on  the  hill,  but  can't  be  seen  until  crossing  the  Antietam. 
Leaving  the  pike  and  taking  the  road  to  Samuel  Pry's  mill  and  house, 
and  the  old  wagon  shed  where  a  number  of  soldiers  had  limbs  amputated. 
The  Sumner  Ford  is  but  a  short  distance  south  of  this  point,  where  the 
greater  part  of  the  right  of  the  Union  Army  crossed — the  Little  Antietam 
empties  into  Big  Antietam  between  the  Ford  and  the  Hooker  Bridge. 
The  Dr.  Joe  Smith  (now  Bovey)  farm  extends  down  to  the  Ford.  The 
old  buildings  which  were  used  as  a  hospital  have  been  torn  down.  The 
brick  house  that  stands  near  the  Hooker  Bridge,  on  the  southwest  side,  is 
the  old  log  house  that  formerly  belonged  to  George  Line  and  was  pur 
chased  by  Mr.  Bovey,  removed,  rebuilt  and  brick-cased,  and  was  the  house 
in  which  General  Mansfield  died.  Mr.  George  Line  built  a  new  house  on 
the  site  of  the  old  one.  The  road  to  the  left  (southwest)  of  the  Hooker 
Bridge  was.  during  war  times,  only  a  private  farm  road,  but  now  is  a 
county  road.  The  road  to  the  right  is  the  old  road  running  through 
Bakersville  to  Williamsport ;  a  portion  of  the  army  took  this  road  before 
the  battle  to  get  on  the  right.  All  the  buildings  as  you  pass  along  were, 
for  a  short  while,  filled  with  wounded  soldiers  until  they  could  be  placed 
in  the  regular  hospitals.  The  Hoffman  farm  buildings  were  quite  well 
known  among  the  soldiers,  the  Smoketown  Hospital  being  on  a  part  of 
the  farm.  In  the  edge  of  Smoketown  Woods  hundreds  lay  and  died,  and 
the  old  log  school-house  that  stood  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  farther  on, 
where  a  number  had  wounds  dressed,  has  been  torn  away.  We  pass  on 
through  the  remaining  woods  to  the  George  Line  farm,  where  the  First 

28; 


Antietam  Reunion,  /poo. 

Brigade  (Crawford's)  lay  on  the  morning  of  the  I7th,  having  moved 
there  during  the  night.  It  consisted  of  the  loth  Maine,  28th 
New  York,  46th,  I24th,  I25th  and  I28th  Pennsylvania  Regiments, 
extending  from  the  Line  house  across  the  Smoketown  road — the  road 
south  through  the  East  Woods,  to  the  Dunkard  Church.  Before  entering 
East  Woods  we  take  Mansfield  Avenue  to  the  right  of  where  Colonel 
Croasdale,  of  i28th  Pennsylvania,  was  killed.  It  is  now  called  Croasdale 
Knob. 

Just  as  you  leave  the  Smoketown  road,  the  loth  Maine  crossed  the 
road  near  this  point,  and  in  entering  East  Woods  they  met  the  enemy. 
General  Mansfield  received  his  mortal  wound  at  this  point,  near  where  his 
monument  stands,  and  was  carried  back  to  the  old  Gorge  Line  house, 
where  he  died  the  same  day,  the  loth  Maine  being  on  the  left  of  the 
advance  of  Crawford's  Brigade  and  the  I24th  Pennsylvania  on  the  right, 
extending  across  the  Hagerstown  pike  by  the  Miller  house,  with  the  other 
named  regiments  between ;  the  I25th  Pennsylvania  reaching  the  Dunkard 
Church  Woods,  where  they  intend  erecting  a  monument  in  the  near  future. 
The  advance  of  the  brigade  was  made  from  the  camping  ground  of  the 
i6th  over  the  open  fields  by  the  Middlekauff  and  Poffenberger  farms 
near  the  Hagerstown  pike  to  North  Woods,  the  I24th  Pennsylvania  pass 
ing  through  this  and  by  the  D.  R.  Miller  House  and  up  the  hill,  some 
reaching  a  point  near  where  the  new  Nicodemus  house  now  stands.  Their 
colonel,  Joseph  W.  Hawley,  was  badly  wounded,  also  a  number  of  others, 
who  were  carried  back  to  the  Miller  house.  The  loss  of  the  I24th  was  64 
and  the  brigade  lost  430,  the  I25th  being  the  greatest  sufferer,  losing  145. 
This  same  ground  was  the  advance  of  General  Hooker,  who  commanded 
the  First  Corps  and  opened  the  fight  at  daybreak  on  the  morning  of 
the  i  ;th. 

The  Confederates  had  been  driven  over  a  portion  of  the  same  ground 
from  the  North  and  East  Wood  on  the  evening  of  the  i6th,  but  advanced 
during  the  night  and  were  ready  for  the  attack  at  daylight  on  the  I7th. 
From  this  point  to  the  Potomac  River  is  about  half  a  mile,  and  the  Union 
lines  extended  to  the  river.  The  hills  west  of  the  pike  (of  which  you 
have  a  view)  were  the  left  of  the  Confederate  lines.  Stuart's  Cavalry 
Division  lay  in  the  low  ground  in  rear  of  northern  end  of  the  Dunkard 
Church  Woods  (known  in  history  as  Locker  Woods).  The  natural 
breastwork  used  by  the  Confederates  after  they  were  driven  across  the 
Hagerstown  pike,  and  extended  from  the  southern  end  of  the  Miller  barn 
to  the  angle  of  the  Dunkard  Church  Woods  in  rear  of  Philadelphia 
Brigade  Monument.  The  corps  were  in  the  following  order:  First,  Gen 
eral  Hooker,  on  the  extreme  right,  extending  into  East  Woods ;  Twelfth. 
General  Mansfield,  about  the  same  ground,  but  extending  farther  into  East 
Woods ;  Second,  General  Simmer,  extending  from  the  bloody  Miller  corn 
field,  southeast,  to  the  Bloody  Lane  Tower,  with  General  Franklin,  of 
the  Sixth,  closing  in,  the  latter  part  of  the  day.  A  portion  of  the  Fifth 
Corps.  Syke's  Division,  during  the  day  came  up  from  holding  the  Middle 

286 


Antietatn  Reunion,  7900. 

Bridge,  in  which  they  were  assisted  by  what  was  called  the  U.  S.  Horse 
Batteries.  From  the  east  side  of  the  creek,  at  McClellan's  headquarters, 
long-range  guns  were  firing  across  the  Antictam  and  the  rangs  of  hills  on 
the  southeast  side  of  the  pike  were  covered  with  Federal  guns  nearly  to 
Burnside  Bridge.  The  Ninth  Corps,  Generals  Burnside  and  Cox,  occupy 
ing  the  left  and  extending  a  mile  south  to  Snavely's  Ford,  where  General 
Rodman's  Division  crossed  during  the  i/th.  and  also  one  Brigade  of  the 
Kanavvah  Division  of  Ohio  troops.  Their  object  was  to  cross  at  the  Ford 
and  get  upon  the  Confederate  right,  and  around  General  Jackson's  left 
and  force  them  back  to  what  is  known  as  "the  neck"  on  the  Potomac, 
where  General  Lee's  Army  could  be  captured,  but  owing  to  McClellaivs 
slow  move  in  getting  across  Burnside  Bridge,  by  the  time  Burnside  got  the 
Confederates  back  to  Sharpsburg  Lee  was  reinforced  by  General  Hill 
from  Harper's  Ferry  who  struck  the  left  of  Burnside's  command  and 
forced  him  back  to  the  bridge,  but  not  across.  By  this  time  it  was  nearly 
night,  and  the  fight  ended,  both  armies  resting  on  their  arms. 

During  the  i8th  General  Lee  awaited  a  renewal  of  the  fight,  but  during 
the  night,  under  a  flag  of  truce,  he  crossed  the  Potomac  with  his  army. 
General  Fitz  John  Porter,  with  a  few  regiments,  was  ordered  to  follow, 
but  on  reaching  the  Virginia  shore,  and  advancing  up  the  cliff  they  were 
met  by  the  Confederates,  who  drove  them  back  with  great  loss.  The  ''Corn 
Exchange"  (n8th  Philadelphia  Regiment),  being  one  to  follow,  lost  very 
heavily.  After  the  battle  most  of  the  Union  Army  lay  around  Sharpsburg 
for  a  month  or  longer,  and  some  went  to  Maryland  Heights,  near  Harper's 
Ferry,  the  I24th  going  there. 

After  services  near  the  Miller  house  carriages  will  drive  by  the  Dunkard 
Church  to  Bloody  Lane  and  Tower,  thence  to  Burnside  Bridge  and  return 
to  the  Memorial  Church,  where  the  I24th  has  a  window,  from  there  to 
National  Cemetery,  then  to  Keedysville,  past  Myers'  mill  and  the  new  iron 
bridge.  The  stone  bridge  over  which  Lee's  army  passed  from  South 
Mountain  collapsed  a  few  years  ago  and  was  replaced  with  iron.  After 
crossing  the  bridge,  a  short  distance  is  Porterstown,  where  General 
Porter's  reserve  of  18,000  lay,  and  where  General  Burnside's  forces  left 
the  pike  to  go  to  the  bridge.  A  little  farther  on  is  McClellan's  head 
quarters,  and  where  General  Richardson  died,  and  t  >  the  right,  on  the 
highest  peak  of  Elk  Ridge  is  where  McClellan's  signal  corps  was  stationed, 
and  at  the  foot  of  the  mountain  you  will  see  the  Geeting  farm  buildings 
that  were  used  as  a  hospital  for  several  months  after  the  battle,  and  next 
you  are  back  to  Keedysville  for  dinner. 

After  a  bountiful,  repast  at  Keedysville,  the  train  was  taken  for 
the  homeward  journey.  The  business  of  the  Association  was 
finished  on  the  trip  home.  Colonel  Benjamin  Brooke  was  ap 
pointed  chairman  of  the  Executive  Committee  and  it  was  de 
cided  to  hold  the  next  reunion  at  Castle  Rocks  Park  in  Dela 
ware  County,  Pa.,  on  September  17,  1901. 

287 


CASTLE  ROCKS  PARK  REUNION. 

(Seventeenth  Annual.) 
SEPTEMF.KR  17,  1901. 

Headquarters  of  the  Association  was  established  in  the  pa 
vilion  and  the  business  meeting  was  called  to  order  by  President 
Colonel  Joseph  W.  Hawley,  and  prayer  offered  by  Chaplain  Rev. 
Joseph  S.  Evans.  The  Obituary  Committee  reported  the  death 
of  the  following-  named  comrades : 

T.   Baker  Mercer  Sergeant   Stephen  Blatchford 

A.  Jackson  Gill  Captain  John  Woodcock 

Captain  Norris  L.  Yarnall  William   C.    Broomell 

Lieutenant  Harry  C.  Wells  Leonard  V.   Rickford 

Adjutant  J.   Carpenter  Worth  William   H.    Henderson 

Taylor   Windle  Joseph   Waddell 

Joseph   F.    Allison  James   Wilson 

Harry   Dewey  John  Nichols 

The  death  of  President  McKinley  was  included  in  the  report 
and  the  following  resolutions  to  his  widow  were  unanimously 
adopted : 

WHEREAS,  In  the  wisdom  of  our  Supreme  Commander,  who  directs  all 
things  justly  and  rules  all  nations  wisely,  this  Republic  has  for  the  third 
time  been  called  to  mourn  the  loss  by  violence  of  an  honored  and  beloved 
Chief  Magistrate;  and, 

WTHEREAS,  President  William  McKinley,  the  Christian,  patriot,  soldier, 
statesman,  has  been  suddenly  removed  from  among  the  people  and  from  Irs 
great  labors  by  the  cowardly  act  of  that  foulest  of  human  forms,  the 
dastardly  assassin;  and, 

WHEREAS,  Our  deceased  comrade  and  President  met  his  first  baptism 
in  the  fire  of  battle  at  Antietam,  where  this  day  thirty-nine  years  ago, 
the  members  of  the  I24th  Regiment.  P.  V.,  for  the  first  time  stood  amidst 
the  shriek  of  shot  and  shell.  Therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  it  is  fitting  for  us  to  have  thus  assembled,  on  the  anniver 
sary  of  that  first  mutual  experience  in  the  tumult  and  horrors  of  war, 
that  we  may  manifest  our  profound  sorrow  and  mingle  our  tears  with  those 
of  the  Nation.  Thus  with  heads  bowed  down  in  submission  to  God's  will, 
with  hearts  stunned  by  the  suddenness  and  awfulness  of  the  death,  we 
reverently  declare  our  faith  in  God  and  in  the  goodness  and  greatness 
of  our  country. 

19  289 


Castle  Rocks  Park  Reunion,  1901. 

Resolved,  That  we  are  rich  in  the  privilege  of  keeping  green  the  memory 
of  our  distinguished  comrade  and  in  the  glorification  reflected  by  his  wise, 
loving  and  eminently  just  conduct  of  those  great  responsibilities  that  came 
to  him  in  the  administration  of  the  affairs  of  that  office — the  highest  in  the 
gift  of  his  countrymen. 

Resolved,  That  the  sympathies  of  the  Society  of  the  I24th  Regiment, 
P.  V.,  are  hereby  extended  to  Mrs.  William  McKinley,  the  beloved  wife 
and  sorrowing  widow  of  our  deceased  President,  in  this  hour,  when  alone, 
she  treads  the  darkened  path  of  a  supreme  sorrow  and  irreparable  loss. 

Resolved,  That  for  all  that  class  of  men  and  women  who,  while  enjoying 
the  blessings  of  peace,  freedom  of  action,  the  comforts  of  home  and  the 
prosperity  in  this  country,  to  a  degree  unknown  under  the  flag  of  any 
other  nation,  but  who  by  their  acts  have  proved  themselves  ingrates,  dis 
turbers  of  peace  and  destroyers  of  law  and  order,  we  do  hereby  emphati 
cally  declare  the  greatest  abhorrence. 

Resolved,  That  it  is  our  deep  conviction  that  all  teachers  of  anarchy 
and  all  advocates  or  adherents  of  the  foul  doctrine  should  by  la\v  be  for 
bidden  to  land  on  our  shores,  and  that  all  such  now  in  our  borders  should 
be  forever  vigorously  dealt  with  by  a  law  sufficiently  strong  to  suppress 
or  expel,  and  for  the  speedy  enactment  of  a  strong,  restraining  and  govern 
ing  law  in  this  respect  we  ever  pray  and  pledge  our  support. 

Resolved,  That  we  hereby  express  our  affectionate  sympathy  for  and  con 
fidence  in  the  ability,  patriotism  and  wisdom  of  President  Theodore  Roose 
velt.  \vho  has  had  so  suddenly  and  painfully  thrust  upon  him  the  grave 
responsibilities  and  management  of  the  affairs  of  State,  and  that  we  have 
faith  in  his  purpose  to  carry  to  a  full  fruition  the  expanding  legislative, 
commercial,  financial  and  industrial  interests  of  the  country,  that  have 
been  so  wonderfully  developed  under  the  strong  guidance  of  the  martyred 
and  immortal  McKinley. 

REGIMENTAL  MONUMENT. 

At  the  last  session  of  the  Pennsylvania  State  Legislature,  an 
appropriation  of  $1,500  was  made  for  the  erection  of  a  monu 
ment  for  the  1 24th  Regiment  on  the  battlefield  of  Antietam,  but 
Governor  Stone  cut  down  the  appropriation  to  $750.  In  view  of 
that  reduction,  the  Association  adopted  the  following  resolutions 
as  submitted  by  Secretary  Marshall : 

WHEREAS,  It  is  desirable,  without  longer  delay,  to  secure  the  proper 
recognition  of  the  services  of  those  Pennsylvania  regiments  that  took  part 
in  the  Battle  of  Antietam,  and  which  are  without  monumental  representa 
tion  there  or  elsewhere ;  and, 

WHEREAS,  The  sum  of  $750  was  set  apart  by  our  recent  Legislature  for 
the  purpose  of  procuring  sites  and  erecting  thereon  a  monument  to  each  of 

290 


Castle   Rocks   Park   Reunion,    ujoi. 

the  following  organizations,  to  wit:  The  45th,  48th,  501  h,  5ist,  looth, 
1 24th,  I25th,  1 28th,  ijoth,  I32<d  and  I37th,  Pennsylvania  Infantry;  and, 

WHEREAS,  The  survivors  of  the  I24th  Regiment,  P.  V.,  and  many  others 
who  are  interested,  have  strongly  indicated  their  approval  of  the  move 
ment,  and  expressed  a  willingness  to  render  financial  aid  for  a  monumental 
representation  that  will  be  commemorative  of  the  services  of  the  1241  h 
Regiment,  P.  V.,  in  the  war  for  the  preservation  of  our  country  and  the 
maintenance  of  our  flag;  therefore,  be  it 

Resolred,  That  the  president  of  our  society,  Colonel  Joseph  W.  Hawley, 
do  now  appoint  a  committee  for  the  purpose  of  obtaining  the  long  desired 
end,  and  further 

Resohcd,  That  said  committee  be,  and  is  hereby  empowered,  to  raise 
funds  other  than  the  amount  provided  by  the  Legislature  of  Pennsylvania, 
to  select  and  secure  a  proper  site  for  a  monument  on  the  battlefield  of 
Antietam,  and  to  procure  a  suitable  monument  that  will  be  an  honor  to  the 
regiment  and  a  fitting  recognition  of  its  valor,  and  to  substantially  erect  the 
same  on  said  site. 

President  Hawley  appointed  the  committee  as  follows  : 

Captain  Joseph  Pratt  David  Wilkinson 

Robert  M.  Green  Amos  Bonsall 

James  Cheetham  John  L.   Grim 

Rev.  Joseph   S.   Evans  Robert  Woodside 

Hunter  Brooke  J.  Frank  Black 

John  Pugh  George  W.  Roberts 

Henry  B.   Black  Henry  C.  Warburton 

C.  D.  M.  Broomhall  Colonel  Benjamin  Brooke 

Joseph  T.  Pierce  David  Cox 

The  following  named  officers  were  re-elected : 

President,  Colonel  Joseph  W.  Hawley. 
Vice-President,  Colonel  Benjamin  Brooke. 
Secretary,  John  W.  Marshall. 
Treasurer,  Joel   Hollingsvvorth. 

The  president  with  his  characteristic  modesty  thanked  the 
society  for  the  honors  once  more  placed  upon  him,  and  an 
nounced  the  following  appointments  : 

Chaplain,  Rev.  Joseph  S.  Evans. 
Historian,  C.  D.  M.  Broomhall. 

Obituary  Committee,  Rev.  Joseph  S.  Evans,  Robert  M.  Green,  Thomas 
T.  Smith. 

291 


Castle  Rocks  Park  Reunion,  1901. 

Executive  Committee :  For  faithful  and  meritorious  labors 
in  the  past,  Colonel  Benjamin  Brooke  was  continued  as  chair 
man,  with  power  to  select  the  balance  of  the  committee. 

Dinner  was  served  in  the  grove,  after  which  a  camp  fire  was 
held  in  the  pavilion,  presided  over  by  Colonel  Joseph  W.  Hawley. 
The  band  from  Glen  Mills  School,  under  the  leadership  of  Pro 
fessor  S.  S.  Smith,  gave  a  very  enjoyable  concert  of  populai 
music.  Addresses  were  made  by  Hon.  Thomas  Y.  Cooper,  oi 
Media,  Robert  M.  Green,  of  Philadelphia,  Captain  Albeit  Magnin, 
of  Darby,  John  L.  Grim  and  Captain  Amos  Bonsall,  of  Philadel 
phia,  the  last  survivor  of  the  Dr.  Elisha  Kane  expedition  to  the 
Arctic  regions  in  1854.  Corporal  "Tom"  Kay  entertained  with 
vocal  solos,  among  them  being,  "The  Old  Coffee  Kettle/' 

[XoTK  i'-v  EDITOR. — In  the  appointments  made  at  this  reunion 
by  Colonel  Hawley,  president  of  the  Regimental  Association,  is 
that  of  Colonel  Benjamin  Brooke  as  chairman  of  the  Executive 
Committee  and  a  member  of  the  committee  to  devise  ways  and 
means  for  the  erection  of  a  regimental  monument  on  the  battle 
field  of  Antietam.  When  the  pleasing  exercises  of  the  day  closed 
and  we  bid  each  other  good-bye,  little  did  we  think  that  before 
another  anniversary  would  be  held  our  beloved  comrade  and 
co-worker  would  be  called  to  answer  the  final  roll  call. 

Prior  to  his  death,  March  12,  1902,  he  had  met  with  his  fellow 
members  of  the  Monument  Committee,  and  expressed  the  hope 
that  a  monument  would  be  erected  that  would  be  a  fitting  memo 
rial  of  the  services  of  the  regiment. 

It  was  at  his  suggestion  that  Robert  M.  Green  was  made  treas 
urer  of  the  fund,  and  he  subscribed  one  hundred  dollars  toward 
it.  This  was  paid  by  his  executors. 

In  the  work  that  afterward  devolved  upon  the  treasurer  the 
loss  of  Colonel  Brooke  was  deeply  deplored.] 


292 


DOWNINGTOWN  REUNION. 

(Eighteenth  Annual.) 
SEPTEMBER  17,  1902. 

Upon  arrival  at  the  station,  the  society  was  met  by  a  delegation 
of  Winfielcl  Scott  Post  No.  255,  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic, 
who  tendered  the  use  of  their  Post  Hall,  but,  owing  to  the  large 
number  in  attendance,  this  proved  inadequate  and  Odd  Fellows' 
Hall  was  substituted.  President  Colonel  Joseph  W.  Hawley  called 
the  meeting  to  order,  and  the  band  of  twenty-two  pieces  from 
Glen  Mills  School  rendered  "The  Star-spangled  Banner,"  followed 
by  divine  invocation  by  Chaplain  Joseph  S.  Evans. 

The  Obituary  Committee  reported  the  deaths  of  the  following 
named  comrades:  Colonel  Benjamin  Brooke,  vice-president  of 
the  Association  and  chairman  of  the  Executive  Committee ;  Joseph 
T.  Pierce,  Henry  C.  Cornog,  Corporal  Joseph  J.  Hall,  William  H. 
Howard,  James  Cheetham,  William  B.  Farra,  John  F.  Duffy, 
Corporal  John  J.  Glisson,  John  L.  Lloyd,  James  E.  Wilson,  George 
Lawrence,  William  H.  Henderson,  Enos  Yates,  James  Bonner, 
William  Siverd. 

On  motion  of  John  L.  Grim,  the  officers  of  the  preceding  year 
were  re-elected,  excepting  that  Robert  M.  Green,  of  Philadelphia, 
was  chosen  to  succeed  the  late  Colonel  Benjamin  Brooke  as  vice- 
president.  Comrade  Green  thanked  the  Association  for  the  honor, 
and  assured  the  members  he  would  help  them  in  any  movement 
for  the  welfare  of  the  society. 

After  balloting  for  the  place  of  next  meeting,  Washington  was 
decided  upon ;  the  business  meeting  adjourned  and  dinner  was 
served  at  the  Pennsylvania  House  to  267  members  and  friends. 
After  dinner,  the  exercises  attending  the  usual  campfire  were 
held  in  Odd  Fellows'  Hall.  Colonel  Hawley  presided,  and  the 
first  speaker  introduced  was  Rev.  T.  G.  Eiswald,  pastor  of  the 
Downingtown  Baptist  Church,  who  said,  among  other  things  : 

i4It  gives  me  great  pleasure  to  be  with  you  to-day.  Great  deeds  have 
been  done  by  men  being  true  to  the  small  things.  The  smallest  order  had 
to  be  implicitly  obeyed  by  the  soldier. 

295 


Downingtown  Reunion,  1902. 

"Great  issues  hang  in  the  balance  and  come  to  us  to  be  decided  by  their 
uprighteousness  and  purity.  As  \ve  see  the  ranks  thinning  as  the  days  are 
passing  away,  it  should  mean  more  spiritual  and  moral  life  in  the  country. 
You  did  not  struggle  to  unloose  the  devil,  or  to  give  monopoly  power. 
Your  hair  is  thinning ;  your  eye  is  dimming,  so  we  must  now  invite  you 
to  lean  upon  our  younger  arms,  and  we  must  take  up  your  labors. 

"Hasten  the  day  when  the  tongue  shall  cleave  to  the  roof  of  the  mouth 
that  would  object  to  pensions  for  you  old  veterans. 

"Comrade  D.  M.  Cox  is  a  hard  man  to  kill.  He  was  left  for  dead  on 
Antietam  battlefield,  and  he  has  been  nearly  dead  with  sickness  here,  so  he 
has  invited  me  to  welcome  you  to  ihis  town.  I  can  say  that  we  have 
the  fairest  women  here,  if  you  don't  place  them  in  too  strong  light.  Our 
town  is  peculiarly  situated ;  geographically,  it  is  one  yard  wide  and  five 
miles  long.  We  regret  that  you  are  going  to  stay  here  but  a  few  hours. 
The  regiment  is  an  honor  to  the  flag,  and  may  God  bless  you." 

Responding  to  the  cordial  welcome  of  Pastor  Eiswald,  Colonel 
Hawley  spoke  as  follows : 

"On  behalf  of  the  1241!!  Regiment  I  thank  the  citizens  of  Downingtown 
for  the  kind  reception  they  have  extended  to  us,  and  for  the  words  of 
welcome  by  Rev.  Mr.  Eiswald. 

''Forty  years  ago  last  month  one  hundred  boys,  for  we  were  mere  boys, 
met  in  this  town  and  formed  a  company  in  answer  to  the  call  of  Andrew 
G.  Curtin,  Pennsylvania's  great  war  Governor.  We  met  in  the  hall  in  the 
western  end  of  the  town  and  organized  by  the  election  of  your  speaker  as 
captain,  and  about  4  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  took  the  train  for  Harrisburg, 
where  we  soon  became  Company  'A'  of  the  I24th  Regiment  of  Pennsyl 
vania  troops  and  left  for  the  Army  of  the  Potomac.  In  a  few  weeks  we 
were  engaged  with  the  enemy  at  Antietam,  where  many  lost  their  lives 
and  many  more  were  seriously  wounded.  Many  incidents  occurring  the 
day  we  met  here  are  still  plain  in  my  memory;  one  was  an  act  of  kindness 
of  Mr.  Ashbridge,  who  belonged  to  a  religious  organization  opposed  to  war, 
still  he  felt  kindly  towards  my  boys  and  asked  those  who  had  enlisted  from 
the  township  of  Whiteland  to  step  to  the  front  that  he  might  see  them, 
then  passing  down  the  line  he  presented  each  of  them  with  a  five-dollar 
note.  How  sorry  we  were  that  we  were  not  all  from  his  home.  A  father 
of  one  of  the  boys  was  standing  on  the  hotel  porch  when  we  were  marching 
by  and  looking  with  pride  on  his  boy,  was  angered  by  a  loafing  cowardly 
fellow  who  said  'look  at  those  Lincoln  hirelings  and  nigger  worshippers.' 
The  words  were  scarcely  out  of  his  mouth  when  the  father  said  'one  of 
those  boys  is  my  son,'  and  accompanying  the  words  with  a  blow  from  his 
fist  landed  the  fellow  in  the  middle  of  the  street,  and  if  Sheriff  Heffilfinger 
had  not  interfered  there  would  have  been  an  undertaker  needed. 

"Many  changes  have  taken   place  since   then.     The   loving  parents   who 

296 


Reunion,  igo2. 

sadly  bid  us  adieu  on  that  day  and  who  so  gladly  welcomed  us  hack,  those 
of  us  who  returned,  have  passed  away,  and  we  who  were  but  boys  then 
have  whiter  heads,  showing  that  time  is  leaving  its  mark  on  us,  and  each 
year  it  is  our  solemn  duty  to  record  the  death  of  many  of  our  members, 
but  as  this  is  a  day  of  pleasure  I  will  not  dwell  on  the  sad  side  of  life,  but 
will  introduce  those  who  have  so  kindly  offered  to  address  us." 

Robert  AI.  Green,  treasurer  of  the  committee  to  secure  funds  for 
the  erection  of  a  regimental  monument  at  Antietam,  reported 
that  during  the  past  year  he  had  received  $575  in  cash,  and  sub 
scriptions  amounting  to  $350. 

Secretary  John  \Y.  Marshall  was  called  upon,  and  said : 

"One  year  ago  we  had  with  us  one  who  could  never  do  too  much  for  his 
fellowmen.  Col.  Benj.  Brooke  was  a  man  of  big  heart,  with  warm  interest 
in  our  behalf.  He  always  had  in  consideration  the  comfort  of  our  mem 
bers.  His  work  in  the  past  is  commemorated  by  the  placing  of  his  portrait 
upon  our  badge  to-day.  There  was  no  heart  so  loyal  and  true  as  his.  His 
heart  was  in  all  institutions  looking  to  the  welfare  of  mankind.  We  can 
not  say  too  much  of  praise  for  so  great  a  man  as  our  departed  friend." 

Comrade  John  L.  Grim  was  called  for,  and,  upon  arising,  he 
asked  what  he  was  to  talk  about,  when  Comrade  Green  called 
his  attention  to  the  much-desired  monument. 

Comrade  Grim  prefaced  his  address  by  the  narration  of  several 
amusing  stories,  including  that  of  the  boy  and  his  dog.  Con 
tinuing,  he  said : 

"Are  these  the  men  who  went  forth  with  elastic  step  forty  years  ago, 
from  Chester  and  Delaware  counties,  who  left  their  plows,  work  benches, 
and  business  desks,  even  the  boys  who  left  their  books  in  the  schools — the 
harvest  soldiers  of  the  world,  meeting  the  enemy  in  the  corn-fields  and  in 
the  woodlands,  driving  Lee  back  beyond  the  Potomac?  These  are  the 
boys  who  followed  Burnside  through  the  mud  of  spring  time,  to  Chancel- 
lorsville.  Under  the  Star  Spangled  Banner  they  rushed  onward  that  not  a 
star  should  be  taken  from  the  old  flag.  With  determined  brow  they  were 
always  ready  for  the  conflict.  But  now  they  are  passing  down  to  the  sunset 
of  life.  In  the  Southland  are  many  mounds  indicating  that  when  the 
country  needed  them  they  gave  up  their  lives.  And  in  these  later  days  our 
beloved  Colonel  Brooke  has  gone  to  join  them.  We  recall  the  terrible 
sufferings  and  the  awful  wounds,  and  so  we  demand  that  our  great  country 
must  remain  united.  We  have  the  laurels  because  we  have  the  victory. 

297 


Downingtown  Reunion,  1902. 

We  want  to  maintain  the  principles  for  which  we  fought.  There  is  noth 
ing  which  can  surpass  the  monument  in  granite,  which  will  stand  for  what 
has  been  so  nobly  won.  I  appeal  to  you  to  contribute  to  the  fund  for  this 
proposed  monument  which  we  can  leave  in  honor  of  our  brave  boys. 
There  is  no  more  honorable  spot  upon  which  it  can  be  erected  than  at 
Antietam.  I  know  that  our  children  will  gather  there  and  praise  us  for 
what  we  have  done.  The  handshake*  among  you  which  I  have  seen  to-day 
was  welded  in  the  campfires  of  years  ago. 

"The  foreign  countries  are  now  sending  their  offsprings  here  to  learn 
what  we  know.  Aren't  you  proud  of  it?" 

The  exercises  ended  with  music  by  the  band  and  a  humorous 
song  by  Corporal  "Tom"  Kay,  and  the  Eighteenth  Annual 
became  a  part  of  the  past. 


CIRCULAR  SENT  TO  SURVIVORS  OF  REGIMENT. 

PHILADELPHIA,  July  27th,  1903. 
Dear  Comrade  : 

The  members  of  our  society  have  reason  for  indulging  in  sentiments  of 
congratulation,  because  of  the  enactment  of  the  "Monumental  Appropria 
tion  Bill"  by  the  late  Legislature  of  Pennsylvania,  and  in  consequence  your 
Executive  Committee  fraternally  addresses  you  relative  to  the  place  for 
holding  our  reunion  this  year. 

Under  the  provisions  of  this  Act  the  survivors  of  the  I24th  Regiment 
are  now  assured  that  such  monumental  recognition  will  be  given  the  regi 
ment  on  the  battlefield  of  Antietam  as  will  worthily  commemorate  its  par 
ticipation  in  that  battle  September  17,  1862,  and  for  other  services  gal 
lantly  rendered  the  country  in  the  War  of  the  Rebellion. 

There  is  every  assurance  that  this  memorial  will  be  completed  September, 
1904,  thus  affording  the  opportunity  for  our  members  to  participate  in  the 
unveiling  ceremonies  and  attending  our  Twentieth  Annual  Reunion  at 
the  same  time. 

To  the  thirteen  interested  commands  the  I7th  of  September,  1904,  will 
be  a  memorable  occasion,  and  one  that  will  occupy  a  place  in  our  thoughts 
next  to  the  memories  of  that  day  it  commemorates,  and  it  is  confidently 
expected  that  each  comrade  of  our  society  will  desire  to  witness  and  enjoy 
the  consummation  of  this  long-anticipated  and  hard-worked  for  result. 

Antietam,  with  its  environments  of  historic  scenes,  is  the  ideal  place,  and 
the  unveiling  ceremonies,  being  the  fruition  of  our  hopes,  will  be  the 
appropriate  time  for  the  survivors  of  our  regiment,  with  their  recollections 
of  forty-tw^o  years  ago,  to  assemble  with  their  families  and  friends  in  one 
more  grand  rally  on  grounds  hallowed  by  the  blood  of  our  comrades. 


Circular  to  Sni'i'i-i'ors. 

It  will  be  the  one  time  when  \ve  may  enjoy  the  sight  of  gratefully  wit 
nessing  "Old  Glory"  gracefully  lifting  its  oeauteous  folds,  revealing  a 
bright  shaft  of  enduring  granite  that  is  to  be  a  reminder  to  the  distant 
future  generations  of  our  regiment's  valor  in  the  smoke-laden  air  of  that 
field  of  death  and  destruction  midst  the  cannon's  roar,  the  shriek  of  shell 
and  the  whirr  of  bullets. 

Your  Executive  Committee,  having  in  mind  the  highest  degree  of  pleas 
ure  for  our  membership,  have  given  a  thoughtful  consideration  to  the  ques 
tion  of  location  for  this  year's  reunion,  and  in  a  special  meeting,  held  the 
third  day  of  July,  did  unanimously  adopt  the  following  resolution,  and  now 
most  earnestly  hope  for  your  full  approval. 

WHEREAS,  Since  the  reunion  of  the  Society  of  the  I24th  Regiment,  P.  V., 
held  at  Downingto\vn,  Pa.,  September  17,  1902,  when  Washington  City 
was  named  as  the  place  for  holding  our  then  next  meeting,  conditions 
now  strongly  indicate  that  a  change  of  place  for  meeting  this  year  is  most 
desirable;  therefore, 

Rcsolred,  That  as  a  majority  of  the  Society  will  desire  to  visit  Antietam 
September  17,  1904,  it  is,  in  the  judgment  of  this  committee,  not  desir 
able  to  attempt  to  carry  out  the  vote  which  named  Washington,  D.  C.,  as 
this  year's  meeting  place,  and  we  do  hereby  substitute  for  that  the  name  of 
"Castle  Rocks,''  at  which  place  the  Nineteenth  Annual  Reunion  of  the 
Society  will  be  held  September  17,  1903. 

Approved, 

Joseph  W.  Hawley,  President. 

Attest : 

John  W.  Marshall,  Secretary. 

ROBERT  M.  GREEN, 
JOSEPH  PRATT, 
JOEL  HOLUNGSWORTH, 
JOHN  PUGH, 
JOHN  L.  GRIM, 

Committee. 


299 


BENJAMIN    BROOKE. 


1863. 


Son  of  the  late  H.  Jones  and 
Jemima  E.  Brooke.  Was  born  in 
Radnor  Township,  Delaware  County, 
Pa.,  December  13,  1840.  Enlisted 
in  the  i2_|.th  Pennsylvania  Volun 
teers,  and  was  appointed  sergeant  in 
Company  D.  He  participated  in  the 
battles  of  South  Mountain,  Antie- 
tam  and  Chancellorsville,  on  each 
occasion  attracting  attention  for 
bravery. 

When  the  term  of  the  12  4th 
expired,  he  re-enlisted  in  the  2Qth 
Pennsylvania  Emergency  Regiment, 
and  became  second  lieutenant  of  Company  I.  After  the  discharge 
of  this  regiment,  he  recruited  Company  B,  of  the  203 d  Pennsyl 
vania  Infantry,  and  was  elected  captain.  Although  severely 
wounded  in  the  charge  of  the  regiment  at  the  storming  of  Fort 
Fisher,  he  refused  to  leave  his  command,  was  complimented  in 
general  orders  for  bravery,  and  elected  lieutenant-colonel  of  the 
regiment.  He  was  again  wounded  in  front  of  Wilmington,  N.  C., 
in  one  of  the  last  battles  of  the  war.  At  the  close  of  the  war, 
was  mustered  out,  with  the  rank  of  colonel,  and  was  offered  a 
commission  in  the  Regular  Army ;  this  he  declined,  preferring 
to  enter  upon  a  business  career. 

He  was  a  popular  comrade  and  past  commander  of  George  G. 
Meade  Post,  No.  I,  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic,  of  Philadelphia, 
a  member  of  the  Loyal  Legion,  the  Sons  of  the  Revolution,  an 
active  director  of  the  Glen  Mills  School,  in  Delaware  County, 
a  member  of  the  L^nion  League,  of  Philadelphia,  a  director  of 
the  First  National  Bank,  of  Media,  and  at  the  time  of  his  death 
was  vice-president  of  the  I24th  Regimental  Association. 

Colonel  Brooke  had  a  host  of  friends,  who  highly  esteemed 
him  for  his  noble  character  and  manly  worth. 

His  brother,  Mr.  Hunter  Brooke,  was  also  a  member  of 
Company  D,  of  the  I24th,  sergeant  of  Company  I,  2Qth  Pennsyl 
vania  Emergency  Regiment,  and  lieutenant  Company  E,  iQ2d 
Pennsylvania  Volunteers.  His  brother,  Mr.  Frank  Brooke,  was 
a  member  of  the  29th  Pennsylvania  Emergency  Regiment. 

300 


Sergeant  Company  D,    1241!!   Pennsylvania. 

Second  Lieutenant  Company  I,  Twenty-ninth   Pennsylvania   Emergency. 

Captain  Company  B,  2O3d  Pennsylvania  Volunteers. 

Promoted   to   Lieutenant-Colonel  2O3d. 

Mustered   out   with   rank  of  Colonel. 

Died    March    12,    1902. 


CASTLE  ROCKS  PARK  REUNION. 
(Nineteenth  Annual.) 
SEPTEMBER  17,  1903. 

At  the  reunion  last  year  it  was  agreed  that  the  meeting  of 
to-day  should  be  held  at  Washington,  D.  C.,  but  the  Executive 
Committee  changed  the  program,  owing  to  the  fact  that  next  year 
the  reunion  is  to  be  held  at  Antietam  battlefield,  to  dedicate  a 
monument  to  commemorate  the  gallant  services  of  the  regiment 
in  that  battle. 

The  business  of  the  meeting  was  called  to  order  by  President 
Colonel  Joseph  W.  Hawley,  followed  by  a  rendition  of  patriotic 
airs  by  a  band  of  30  performers  from  the  Glen  Mills  School, 
under  the  leadership  of  Prof.  P.  P.  Brown. 

An  appropriate  and  fervent  prayer  was  offered  by  Chaplain 
Rev.  Joseph  S.  Evans.  Owing  to  the  absence  of  the  secretary, 
John  W.  Marshall,  in  Mexico,  Prof.  George  W.  Channell,  princi 
pal  of  the  Port  Carbon  High  School,  was  chosen  as  temporary 
secretary  to  record  the  proceedings. 

A  handsome  badge  of  white  satin  was  distributed,  upon  which 
was  embossed,  in  gilt  letters : 

Nineteenth  Annual   Reunion 

of  the 

Society  of  the  I24th  Pa.  Vols. 
Castle  Rocks   Park, 
September  17,  1903. 

In  addition  to  the  above  inscription  was  an  engraving  of  the 
Soldiers'  Monument,  recently  erected  at  Media,  Pa. 

The  Obituary  Committee  submitted  the  following  report: 

Our  annual  meeting  has  come  once  more,  and  with  it  comes  the  sad  duty 
devolving  upon  your  committee  to  present  the  mortuary  list  of  the  past 
year.  The  Silent  Reaper  has  not  been  idle,  the  list  will  show  the  names  of 
a  number  of  our  noble  and  brave  fellow-members  who  have  been  mustered 
out  of  our  ranks  since  last  we  met.  We  might  speak  of  them  as  individuals, 
or  of  their  individual  lives  and  service,  but  your  committee  deem  it  wise 
to  speak  of  them  as  a  company  of  noble  patriots,  each  and  all  of  whom 
laid  their  lives  in  sacrifice  upon  the  country's  altar  in  her  hour  of  need. 
Each  one  gave  all  that  he  had  to  his  country;  he  was  prepared  to  die.,  if 

303 


Castle  Rocks  Park  Reunion, 

need  be,  in  defense  of  her  glorious  flag.  In  the  battle's  terrific  roar  and 
carnage,  each  and  all  of  them  stood  shoulder  to  shoulder  as  they  faced  the 
foe.  We  remember  them  all  in  this  way,  as  standing  upon  a  common,  yet 
a  noble  level,  and  to-day  \ve  think  of  them  as  sleeping  their  last  sleep 
•with  the  canopy  of  a  true  soldier's  honor  o'er  each  sacred  grave  : 

James    Bonner Died  August        25,  1902. 

Chas.   D.   M.  Broomhall "      October       24, 

Emmor  L.  Talley "      November    4,      '* 

Cyrus   J.    Burnett "      November  25, 

David    M.    Cox •'      December     8,      " 

Reese  M.   Bailey "      December   20,      " 

Robert  G.   Woodside "      January       23,  1903. 

Thomas    T.    Smith "      February      4, 

William   H.    Bentley "      February       5,      " 

William  H.  Pierson ''      May  12,      " 

Lorenzo  F.  Davis "      June  I,      " 

Samuel   C.    Smith "      June  27, 

Lewis    T.    Johnson "      July  5,.     " 

Marshall   Lamborn '"      August        20, 

Jesse  W.  Paist "      October       21,      " 

William  Y.  Esben "      May  9,      " 

THE    REGIMENTAL    MONUMENT. 

On  behalf  of  the  committee,  Robert  M.  Green  reported  on  the 
plans  prepared,  and  exhibited  two  designs  to  be  passed  upon  by 
the  members  present.  Among  other  things  he  said  that  the 
committee  is  desirous  of  having  the  monument  completed  in  time 
for  unveiling  on  September  17,  1904,  when  the  twentieth  reunion 
will  be  held  at  Antietam.  He  referred  to  the  need  of  more  funds 
for  the  purpose,  and  appealed  for  aid  from  all  the  survivors  of 
the  regiment,  the  families  of  deceased  comrades,  and  all  who 
are  in  any  way  interested  as  descendants  or  friends  of  those  who 
composed  the  regiment.  The  recent  Legislature  of  Pennsylvania 
appropriated  $2,500  for  a  monument,  and  the  members  and 
friends  have  donated  or  subscribed  $1,000.  Of  the  plans  submitted, 
the  one  favored  by  the  committee  will  cost  $5,000  to  erect.  He 
urged  for  more  liberal  response  from  the  members,  if  a  memorial 
is  desired  that  will  tell  of  the  trials  and  hardships  of  army  life, 
a  monument  that  will  be  a  fitting  recognition  of  the  heroic  work 
and  valor  of  the  regiment  in  defence  of  flag  and  country,  and 
be  to  future  generations  a  patriotic  reminder  to  which  they  may 
point  with  pride. 

304 


Castle  Rocks  Park  Reunion, 

Colonel  Hawley  and  others  spoke  earnestly  on  behalf  of  more 
liberal  donations  for  a  desirable  monument.  Henry  B.  Hlack,  of 
Chester,  an  honorary  member,  said : 

"I  am  interested  in  this  Association's  work  and  also  in  this  monument, 
and  I  am  in  favor  of  a  fine  and  creditable  shaft.  1  am  \villing  to  contribute.'' 

George  W.  Channell  said  : 

"Let  us  erect  a  monument  that  will  reflect  honor  upon  the  Association. 
Let  every  comrade  do  what  is  possible  to  encourage  the  committee.  Let 
us  support  them,  and  commence  at  once." 

Comrade  John  Pugh,  of  Conshohocken,  was  in  favor  of  the 
best  monument  and  one  that  will  stand  for  generations,  and  of 
which  all  will  be  proud.  Comrade  Pugh  was  requested  to  make 
personal  canvass  for  subscriptions  among  those  present.  Having 
secured  quite  a  sum  in  cash  and  over  $400  in  subscriptions,  it 
was  decided  to  adopt  the  $5,000  monument,  favored  by  the 
committee. 

The  former  officers  were  re-elected. 

President,  Colonel  Joseph  W.  Hawley,  of  Media. 
Vice-president,  Robert  M.  Green,  of  Philadelphia. 
Secretary,  John  W.  Marshall,  of  Philadelphia. 
Treasurer,  Joel  Hollingsvvorth,  of  Wallingford. 

Colonel  Hawley  thanked  the  Association,  and  announced  these 
appointments : 

Chaplain,  Rev.  Joseph  S.  Evans,  West  Chester,  Pa. 

Historian,  Prof.  Geo.  W.  Channell,  Port  Carbon,  Pa. 

Obituary  Committee,  Rev.  Joseph  S.  Evans,  Robert  M.  Green  and  David 
S.  Wilkinson. 

Executive  and  Monument  Committee — Robert  M.  Green,  Henry  C.  War- 
burton,  John  Pugh,  Joel  Hollingsvvorth,  John  D.  Howard. 

Dinner  was  announced,  and  was  partaken  of  by  more  than  200, 
after  which  a  campfire  was  held  in  the  pavilion.  The  band 
opened  with  a  pleasant  melody  that  was  warmly  applauded.  The 
first  orator  presented  by  Colonel  Hawley  was  Captain  Isaac 
Johnson,  late  of  the  29th  Pennsylvania  Emergency  Regiment, 
now  judge  of  the  Delaware  County  Court,  who  said : 

"It  gives  me  much  pleasure  to  mingle  with  the  I24th  Regiment  survivors 
here  to-day.  It  gives  me  pleasure  to  ehake  hands  with  you  old  veterans. 

20  305 


Castle  Rocks  Park  Reunion,  1903. 

We  do  not  yet  estimate  the  importance  of  that  great  struggle  of  forty  years 
ago  to  determine  the  great  question  that  this  government  of  the  people 
shall  perish  frcm  internal  disorder.  Our  nation  is  now  the  peer  of  the 
greatest  nations  of  the  earth.  The  nation  that  sits  between  the  oceans 
commands  the  attention  of  the  world.  We  are  exerting  more  influence 
upon  the  civilixation  of  the  world.  We  now  represent  the  very  highest 
standards,  and  we  are  playing  an.  important  part  in  the  movements  for 
civil  and  religious  liberty.  Since  you  marched  shoulder  to  shoulder  under 
the  old  flag,  we  have  made  progress,  and  only  yesterday  the  banner  of  our 
Republic  was  unfurled  in  Pekin.  We  represent  the  greatest  influence  for 
all  that  is  good— the  liberty  of  the  law.  Let  us  use  it  for  the  benefit  of  the 
human  race  and  all  mankind." 

1  Ion.  Thomas  V.  Cooper,  of  Media,  was  introduced  as  an  old 
soldier,  and  a  warm  friend  of  old  soldiers.  He  was  given  a 
cordial  greeting,  and,  among  other  things,  said  : 

"I  have  always  liked  to  be  introduced  by  Colonel  Hawley.  I  am  inter 
ested  in  this  regiment,  for  at  Chancellorsville  when  I  was  attempting  to 
escape  capture  by  the  fastest  run  ever  made  by  mortal  man,  I  was  rescued 
by  the  I24th,  and  in  gratitude  to  them  I  was  instrumental  in  securing  the 
pa-sage  of  the  monument  bill  in  the  State  Legislature.  I  like  to  meet  sol 
diers,  because  they  represent  our  Government  more  than  any  other  class  of 
citi/ens.  The  achievements  of  the  Union  Army  were  something  wonderful. 
The  boast  of  this  nation  goes  up  and  up,  but  never  comes  down,  and  we 
are  continually  adding  to  the  greatness  of  our  country." 

Corporal  Tom  Kay  then  amused  with  a  song,  and  gave  some 
flute  imitations  on  a  cane. 

Comrade  Robert  M.  Green  was  called  upon,  and  said : 

"I  did  not  expect  to  say  anything  to-day  except  to  make  an  appeal  in 
behalf  of  our  Monument  Fund.  I  do  not  feel  qualified  to  make  a  speech 
such  as  we  have  listened  to  from  Judge  Johnson  and  'Tom'  Cooper." 

He  then  recited  in  stirring  manner  the  famous  speech  delivered 
by  President  Lincoln  at  Gettysburg,  and  described  vivid  pictures 
of  the  soldiers'  life  in  camp  and  on  the  march,  and  in  conclusion 
said  how  grateful  we  should  be  that  we  have  lived  to  see  our  flag 
float  from  the  highest  peak  of  the  A  fountain  Range  of  Nations, 
and  respected  by  all  mankind. 

At  4  P.  M.  the  benediction  was  pronounced  by  Chaplain  Evans, 
and  the  pleasant  reunion  was  at  an  end. 

306 


JOHX   \\'.  MARSHALL. 

Was  born  November  16,  1842.  Son  of  Cloud  and  Alary 
(Woodward)  Marshall,  who  resided  in  West  Bradford  town 
ship,  Chester  county,  Pennsylvania,  on  the  west  branch  of  the 
Brandywine ;  the  farm  comprised  several  hundred  acres,  pur 
chased  from  the  Indians  in  1/03,  by  Abraham  Marshall,  who 
came  from  Derbyshire,  England,  and  settled  on  said  tract.  The 
boyhood  of  John  W.  was  spent  in  attending  the  public  school  at 
Marshallton  and  in  such  work  as  was  incident  in  a  "'country 
lad's  life."  On  August  5,  1862,  he  enlisted  in  Company  F,  of 
the  I24th,  and  served  with  it  until  January,  i8(V$,  when  he  was 
discharged  from  a  hospital  in  Washington,  D.  C.,  for  disability 
caused  by  typhoid  fever.  On  August  7,  1862  (two  days  after  his 
enlistment),  he  married  Mary  Ellen,  only  daughter  of  Robert 
Emmit  and  Eliza  Smith. 

In  1895  ne  was  elected  commander  of  George  G.  Meade  Post, 
Grand  Army  of  the  Republic,  and  for  several  years  thereafter 
was  adjutant  of  the  post. 

He  has  long  been  a  member  of  the  I24th  Regimental  Associa 
tion,  and  was  elected  its  secretary,  to  succeed  the  late  Charles  P. 
Keech,  and  the  duties  of  this  position  he  faithfully  performed 
until  his  removal  to  Parral,  Mexico,  where  he  is  now  engaged 
as  manager  of  the  United  States  Mining  Co. 

On  another  page  is  a  letter  written  by  him,  congratulating  the 
Regimental  Association  on  the  completion  of  their  monument. 


309 


Co.  B,  I24th  Penna.  Vol. 
Co.  F.     29th  Penna.  Militia. 
Co.  G,     97th  Penna.  Vol. 

Wounded  in  front  of  Petersburg,  May  18,  1864. 
In  1907,  Col.  Fourth  Regt.,  National  Guards,  N.  J. 


AXTIETAM   REUNION. 
(Twentieth  Annual.) 
SEPTEMBER  17,  1904. 


lU'srxEss  MEETING  AND  CAMPFIRE. 

Through  the  courtesy  of  Christ  Reformed  Memorial  Church, 
of  Sharpsburg,  the  business  meeting  and  campfire  was  held  in 
that  edifice  in  the  evening,  the  spacious  building  being  crowded. 
This  church  was  built  in  1832.  It  was  used  as  a  Federal  hos 
pital  in  1862. 

Colonel  Hawley  presided,  and  Chaplain  Evans  being  absent, 
on  account  of  illness,  the  exercises  were  opened  with  prayer  by 
Rev.  S.  T.  Wagner,  of  Boonesboro,  followed  by  a  short  address 
of  welcome  from  Rev.  B.  R.  -Carnahan,  pastor  of  the  church, 
who  wished  the  visitors  a  pleasant  time. 

The  Obituary  Committee,  consisting  of  Rev.  Joseph  S.  Evans, 
Robert  M.  Green,  and  David  S.  Wilkinson,  made  report  of  the 
following  deaths : 

Corporal  Samuel  K.  Crozier,  Company  H,  November  23d,  1903,  aged  67. 

Corporal  Arnold  M    Nichols,  Company  I,  December  i6th,  1903,  aged  73. 

William  H.  Hoopes,  Company  D,  March  24th,  1903,  aged  60. 

Corporal  Thomas  W.  Taylor,  Company  E,  April  3d,  1904. 

Corporal  Joseph  McCoy,  Company  B.  June  I5th,  1904,  aged  70. 

Edward  Cooper,  Company  B,  March  i8th,  1904,  aged  78. 

Corporal  Henry  B.  Wynn,  Company  A,  October  3oth,  1902.  at  Yankton, 
South  Dakota  (fourth  attack  of  paralysis),  aged  61. 

Sergeant  Joseph  N.  Woodward,  Company  A,  killed  by  express  train  on 
Pennsylvania  Railroad  at  Coatesville,  Pennsylvania.  In  addition  to  his 
services  in  the  I24th,  he  also  served  in  1863  in  an  Independent  Cavalry  Com 
pany,  and  in  1864,  as  captain  I92d  P.  V.,  100  days'  service. 

Charles  H.  Dilworth,  Company  E,  died  March  8th,  1904,  at  Des  Moines, 
Iowa.  At  time  of  death  he  was  president  of  the  West  Des  Moines  School 
Board,  and  of  the  Valley  Savings  Bank. 

Samuel  P.  Conner,  Company  K,  at  Coatesville,  June  I3th,  1904. 

Enos  W.  Ross,  Company  I,  June  I7th,  1904. 

Eli  H.  Baldwin,  Company  A,  July  28th,  1904,  aged  67. 

Joseph  M.  Drake,  Company  H,  March  24th,  1904. 

William  T.  Daller,  Company  F,  September  3d,  1904,  aged  71. 

Wrestey  Durnell,  Company  A. 

Corporal  William  Williams,  Company  F. 

313 


Marshall  Lamborn,  Company  K. 

Lieutenant  Frank  M.  Naglee,  Company  H,  November  20,  1903. 

Charles  Daller,  Company  F. 

Jonathan  Hcacock,  Company  \\,  June  9,  1904. 

John  Peters,  Company  H. 

"Thus  are  \ve  reminded  once  again  that  our  ranks  are  being  decimated 
year  by  year.  Loved  comrades  have  fallen  by  the  wayside  as  we  have 
marched  along  life's  pathway.  Fresh  mounds  have  been  raised  to  mark 
the  resting  place  of  the  bodies  of  brave  and  honored  men  who  once  stood 
shoulder  to  shoulder  with  those  who  are  here  to-day.  Their  precious  lives 
have  gone  back  to  God,  who  gave  them.  With  them,  'life's  fitful  dream  is 
o'er.'  For  them  time,  with  all  its  ci'.res,  its  labors,  and  its  sorrows,  is 
forever  past  ;  they  have  entered  into  their  eternal  rest.  Their  vacant  places 
forcibly  remind  us  that  the  allotted  space  for  our  life's  work  is.  at  the  best. 
but  a  span.  Many  of  us  are  already  ncaring  its  close.  Which  of  us  can  tell 
who  next  shall  be  summoned  to  cross  the  narrow  stream  which  separates 
the  known  from  the  unknown,  the  finite  from  the  infinite.  Let  it  be  the  aim 
of  each  and  all  of  us  to  perform  the  duties  assigned  to  us,  that  when 
the  final  summons  shall  call  us  hence,  when  the  places,  the  pursuits,  and 
the  friends  which  have  once  known  us  shall  know  us  no  more,  it  may  be 
said  of  us  that  'the  world  has  been  better  for  our  living  in  it.''' 


rj'XTiox  01? 
The  annual  election  of  officers  resulted  as  follows  : 

President  —  Colonel  Joseph  W.  Hawky. 
Vice-President  —  Robert   M.   Green. 
Treasurer  —  Joel   Hollingsworth. 

Secretary  —  Edward  T.  Harlan,  vice  John  W.  Marshall,  who  is  now  gen 
eral  manager  of  the  United  States  Mining  Co.,  at  Parral,  Mexico. 

Colonel  Hawlev,  in  a  brief  speech,  thanked  the  survivors  for 
the  continued  honors,  and  announced  as  the  Executive  Com 
mittee:  John  Pugh,  Henry  C.  Warburton,  John  D.  Howard, 
Joel  Hollingsworth,  George  M.  Thomson,  vice  Robert  M.  Green, 
who  declined  reappointment. 

The  Obituary  Committee  appointed  was  John  D.  Howard, 
Robert  M.  Green,  David  S.  \Yilkinson. 

XKXT  RKUXIOX. 

The  following1  places  were  named  for  the  next  reunion  : 
Coatesville,  Media,  Brandywine  Springs,  Xorristown,  West 
Chester,  and  Valley  Forge.  The  Executive  Committee  was 

314 


Antietam  Reunion, 

empowered  to  make  selections  from  the  places  and  notify  the 
members. 

Robert  M.  Green,  chairman  of  the  Monument  Committee, 
reported  that  he  had  sufficient  funds  in  hand  to  pay  for  the 
monument,  and  all  expenses  connected  therewith,  but  that  an 
additional  sum  might  be  required  for  the  completion  of  the 
souvenir  book  that  he  had  in  preparation. 

Comrade  John  Pugh  moved  that  thanks  of  the  Association  be 
extended  Chairman  Green  for  his  efficient  and  faithful  labors, 
and  that  he  be  authorized  to  complete  the  history  of  the  regiment 
and  of  the  Association.  The  motion  was  adopted. 

Chairman  Green  was  called  on  for  a  speech,  and  said : 

"I  thank  yon  for  this  evidence  of  your  esteem,  but  on  account  of  the 
arduous  duties  pertaining  to  the  excursion  and  the  dedication  of  the  monu 
ment,  I  must  ask  you  to  pardon  me  from  making  a  speech.  I  am  sure  that 
1  cannot  say  anything  that  would  be  of  interest  at  this  time.  If  the  work 
that  you  gave  me  to  do  has  been  satisfactory,  that  is  all  the  thanks  I 
want.'' 

THE  CAMP-FIRE. 

The  business  having  been  attended  to,  the  camp-fire  exercises 
were  inaugurated  by  Corporal  "Tom"  Kay,  of  Company  B,  who 
entertained  with  a  song,  "From  '61  to  '65,''  and  in  response  to 
the  encore,  gave  a  flute  solo  on  a  walking  stick  borrowed  from 
the  audience. 

Comrade  John  L.  Grim,  of  Company  D,  expressed  his  pride 
of  his  old  regiment.  He  contended  that  no  nation  showed  such 
affiliation  with  Christianity  as  ours.  "We  have  never  suffered 
defeat  from  the  Revolution  to  the  war  with  Spain.  This  is  truly 
God's  country.  The  Rebellion  was  a  war  in  which  an  effort  was 
made  to  tear  asunder  the  Flag.  God  was  back  of  us.  The 
American  conquest  resulted  in  greatest  fatality,  with  the  right 
against  the  wrong,  and  God  was  with  the  right.  The  merchant, 
the  minister,  the  lawyer  and  mechanic  lay  aside  their  work  and 
took  to  the  field.  History  cannot  record  the  story,  even  if  written 
in  the  blood  of  the  fallen.  Many  a  mother  has  awaited  the  return 
of  her  son,  who  fills  an  unknown  grave.  \Ye  have  gone  up  the 
ladder  of  fame,  until  now  we  stand  as  the  dictator  to  all  the  world 
at  the  very  pinnacle  of  fame.  The  American  Xation  has  gone 

315 


Antictain  Reunion, 

continuously  forward,  until  the  Stars  and  Stripes  wave  where  the 
sun  never  sets." 

George  W.  Channell,  of  Port  Carbon,  said,  among  other  things  : 

"I  am  the  bashful,  timid  soldier  of  the  regiment,  but  will  obey  orders. 
You  have  heard  so  much  patriotism  to-day  that  it  is  unfitting  for  me  to 
take  your  time.  1  am  glad  to  meet  with  you.  I  am  pleased  to  see  so 
many  wives  of  the  comrades  grace  these  occasions  with  their  presence. 
The  suffering  and  the  sacrifices  made  by  the  women  of  our  land  were  as 
great  as  that  of  the  soldiers  on  the  field.  This  Nation  has  reached  an 
advanced  position  not  reached  by  any  other  nation.  We  have  said  to  the 
foreign  nations  to  extend  certain  rights  to  the  people  of  the  Antilles.  We 
have  always  stood  in  behalf  of  downtrodden  humanity." 

Rev.  Dr.  Boyle,  of  the  mth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  said: 

"I  greet  the  men  of  the  Twelfth  Corps,  and  am  proud  of  your  record 
on  the  battlefield.  Your  monument  lepresents  the  American  Volunteer, 
more  particularly  the  patriotism  of  the  I24th  Regiment.  The  great  intel 
ligence  of  the  American  soldier  is  a  matter  of  universal  record." 

He  made  comparison  between  the  Civil  War  and  the  present 
conflict  in  the  far  East.  He  was  proud  of  the  personnel  of  the 


Colonel  Oliver  C.  Bosbyshell,  of  the  Antietam  Battlefield 
Commission,  and  late  of  the  48th  Pennsylvania  Volunteers, 
expressed  great  satisfaction  in  meeting  with  the  I24th  Regiment. 

Colonel  John  P.  Nicholson,  of  the  Gettysburg  Battlefield  Com 
mission,  said  : 

"I  would  like  to  be  a  speechmaker  and  talk  to  you  with  lips  and  heart  ot 
flame.  Moses  never  carried  to  his  people  a  more  perfect  solution  than  did 
Lincoln  bear  to  the  people  at  Gettysburg.  I  am  opposed  to  all  things  that 
deprive  us  of  power  with  God,  the  love  of  family,  greed  for  money  and  the 
problem  of  graft.  I  want  you  to  feel  that  this  Government  of  the  people, 
for  the  people,  and  by  the  people,  must  not  perish  from  the  earth." 

Captain  Charles  Lawrence,  United  States  Navy,  said  : 

"Is  it  surprising  that  the  people  of  this  nation  are  heroic,  when  we  know 
them  as  descendants  of  those  people  \vho  four  hundred  years  ago  left  their 
homes  in  Europe  to  establish  a  home  in  the  Western  Wilderness.  The 
Infant  Republic  then  founded  now  stands  a  giant  among  nations.  God 
inspired  the  French  aid  given  the  Colonies  in  Seventy-six.  I  have  great 

316 


Antietam  Reunion,  1904. 

admiration  for  the  American  soldier.  I  am  not  a  soldier,  but  served  in  the 
navy  under  Farragnt.  God's  hand  has  been  forever  shown  in  the  affairs  of 
this  great  country." 

The  Association  passed  a  vote  of  thanks  to  the  church  officials 
for  the  use  of  the  building',  and  after  the  benediction  the  meeting 
adjourned. 

Among  those  present  were  three  surviving  members  of  the  first 
Monument  Committee,  appointed  September  17,  1888.  They 
were  Robert  M.  Green,  Joseph  Showalter,  and  George  M. 
Thomson.  The  other  seven  members  of  the  committee,  consisting 
of  Colonel  Benjamin  Brooke,  David  F.  Houston,  Captain  Charles 
W.  Roberts,  Captain  Edward  F.  James,  Lieutenant  Ralph 
Buckley,  Joseph  B.  Hinkson,  and  Milton  McFadden,  had  passed 
to  the  Great  Beyond. 

Of  the  Monument  Committee  of  ten,  appointed  September  17, 
1889,  Robert  M.  Green  was  the  only  surviving  member  at  the  time 
of  the  dedication. 

Of  the  thirteen  regimental  organizations  whose  monuments 
were  dedicated  at  this  time,  Colonel  Hawley,  of  the  I24th,  is  said 
to  be  the  only  surviving  field  officer. 

On  Sunday  morning,  the  various  places  of  interest  on  the 
battlefield  \vere  visited  by  the  excursionists,  and  at  1.30  P.  M. 
the  special  train  left  Antietam  Station  for  the  return  trip.  Upon 
reaching  Gettysburg,  many  of  the  excursionists  stopped,  for  the 
purpose  of  visiting  that  sacred  spot.  The  train,  with  those 
remaining  in  it,  arrived  in  Philadelphia  at  8.00  P.  M.  All  who 
participated  in  the  excursion  expressed  pleasure  for  the  excellent 
arrangements  that  had  been  made  for  their  comfort,  and  thus 
ended  one  of  the  most  enjoyable  pilgrimages  ever  made  by  the 
Association  and  its  friends. 

[XoTE:  On  other  pages  will  be  found  a  detailed  account  of 
the  excursion  to  Antietam,  the  dedication  of  monument  of  the 
1 24th,  the  names  of  members  of  regiment  who  participated,  a 
photograph  of  the  survivors  present,  the  prayer  of  Chaplain 
Joseph  S.  Evans,  addresses  of  Colonel  Joseph  W.  Hawley  and 
Robert  M.  Green.  Also  the  details  pertaining  to  the  transfer  of 
monuments  to  the  United  States  Government.] 

317 


S  1 


U     C/i 
2!. 

;_)    -o 


Of   TMI 

UNIVERSITY 

OF 


BRANDYWINE   SPRINGS  PARK. 

(Twenty-first  Reunion.) 

SEPTEMBER  16,   1905. 

The  twenty-first  annual  reunion  of  the  survivors  of  the  I24th 
Regiment,  Pennsylvania  Volunteers  (marking  the  forty-third 
anniversary  of  the  Battle  of  Antietam),  was  held  at  Brandywine 
Springs  Park,  near  Wilmington,  Del.  The  turnout  of  members 
and  their  families  numbered  more  than  200.  They  came  to  the 
park  from  Philadelphia,  Chester,  Wilmington,  Coatesville,  West 
Chester,  Media,  and  other  nearby  points,  and  all  were  provided 
with  badges,  commemorative  of  the  occasion. 

The  members  from  Philadelphia  and  Chester  were  accom 
panied  by  the  Boys'  Band,  of  the  Glen  Mills  School,  numbering 
35  pieces,  under  direction  of  Prof.  P.  P.  Brown. 

THE  BUSINESS  MEETING. 

Was  called  to  order  at  n  A.  M.,  in  one  of  the  commodious 
pavilions,  with  Colonel  Joseph  \V.  Hawley  presiding,  and  was 
opened  with  music,  "The  Star  Spangled  Banner,"  by  the  band, 
followed  by  a  medley,  after  which  an  appropriate  prayer  was 
offered  by  Rev.  Joseph  S.  Evans,  chaplain  of  the  Association  and 
formerly  of  the  regiment. 

The  complete  and  interesting  minutes  of  the  trip  to  Antietam 
and  the  reunion  there,  last  year,  were  read  by  Secretary  Edward 
T.  Harlan,  after  which  Colonel  Hawley  made  his  annual  address, 
as  follows : 

Comrades  and  Friends  of  the  I24th  Regiment,  Pennsylvania  Volun 
teers  :  We  meet  here  to-day  on  the  forty-third  anniversary  of  the  most 
severe  day's  battle  of  the  Rebellion.  The  Battle  of  Gettysburg  was  a 
greater  battle,  but  it  extended  over  three  days,  while  the  battle  of  Antietam 
was  fought  on  one  day  and  shows,  as  I  have  said,  the  greatest  loss  in  killed 
and  wounded  on  one  day  of  any  battle  during  the  rebellion. 

General  Longstreet  says  in  his  history  that  the  number  killed  and 
wounded  on  the  Confederate  side  was  10.746,  and  he  gives  our  loss  at 
11,657.  You  may  not  know  it,  but  your  regiment  is  noticed  in  Longstreet's 
history  as  one  that  he  was  compelled  to  front  in  that  battle. 

We  entered  into  this  battle  with  but  a  few  days'  experience  as  soldiers, 
as  but  a  few  days  over  a  month  had  expired  since  we  were  quietly  engaged 

320 


Brandywine  Springs  Park  Reunion, 

in  our  daily  routine  of  business  at  home.  1  may  be  wrong,  but  I  have 
always  thought  it  was  not  the  intention  to  place  us  at  the  front,  but  hold 
us  in  reserve  until  a  later  time  in  the  day  and  for  whatever  emergency 
might  occur,  but  instead  of  that  we  were  in  the  thickest  part  of  the  battle  in 
the  famous  bloody  cornfield,  on  the  extreme  right  of  the  line  very  early 
in  the  morning,  and  before  9  o'clock  our  wounded,  including  myself,  were 
being  carried  off  the  field.  I  am  happy  to  say  our  regiment  remained  on 
duty  all  day,  and  with  the  rest  of  the  new  troops  were  complimented  for 
their  good  work. 

A  year  ago  WTC  completed  our  work  of  several  years,  and  erected  a  beauti 
ful  monument  on  the  battlefield  of  Antietam,  worthy  of  all  the  labor  and 
money  expended  in  its  erection,  and  the  committee  in  charge  well  deserve 
the  thanks  of  this  Association  for  having  so  well  performed  their  arduous 
duty. 

We  have  stiTl  unfinished  another  duty,  namely,  the  publication  of  the 
history  of  the  regiment.  Comrade  Robert  M.  Green,  the  chairman  of  com 
mittee  in  charge  of  this  publication,  in  fact,  the  one  who  has  sole  charge 
of  the  work  and  has  spent  months  collecting  and  arranging  matters  of 
interesting  and  historical  facts  connected  with  the  service  of  the  regiment, 
becomes  thoroughly  discouraged  \\ith  the  little  interest  the  members  of  the 
Association  exhibit  in  the  desire  we  have  to  hand  down  to  our  children  a 
history  of  what  service  their  fathers  rendered  to  our  Government  in  the 
days  of  her  great  struggle  f^r  existence.  Nearly  every  member  will  sit 
down  and  tell  an  interesting  personal  experience  to  a  friend,  but  you  cannot 
get  him  to  put  it  on  paper  and  send  it  to  Comrade  Green. 

Our  number  is  slowly  decreasing,  and  each  year  we  read  the  names  cf 
our  comrades  who  have  crossed  the  great  divide,  and  but  a  few  years 
remain  to  the  few  who  are  left,  so  I  urge  again  if  you  have  anything  that 
will  be  of  interest  to  those  we  leave  behind  us  let  it  be  printed  in  our  his 
tory  and  be  preserved. 

I  am  sorry  to  inform  you  that  Comrade  Green  was  in  a  railroad  wreck 
a  few  days  ago  in  Colorado,  and  only  reached  home  this  week,  and  is  not 
able  to  join  with  us  to-day,  which  he  greatly  regrets,  as  it  is  the  only  meet 
ing  he  has  missed.  We  will  send  him  our  sympathy  and  wish  him  a  speedy 
recovery. 

REPORT  OE  THE:  OBITUARY  COMMITTEE. 

The  Obituary  Committee  reported  the  deaths  of  the  following 
members  since  the  last  reunion : 

Peter  Gamble,  of  Company  F,  died  May  4.  1905. 
Jacob  S.  Stott.  of  Company  A,  died  July  23,  1905. 

John  W.  Walker,  of  Company  A,  killed  on  Pennsylvania  Railroad, 
October  29,  1904. 

James  Speakman,  Company  A,  died  in  Kansas. 
James  McElhaney,  of  Company  G. 
Philip  Nawn,  of  Company  H. 

21  321 


Brandywine  Springs  Park  Reunion, 

Other  deaths  were  reported  by  several  members,  but  no  data 
were  given,  so  it  was  urged  upon  all  members  learning  of  the 
death  of  a  comrade  to  notify  Secretary  Harlan,  so  that  the  records 
may  be  kept  accurate  and  complete. 

ELECTION  OF  OFFICERS. 

The  following  officers  were  re-elected  for  the  ensuing  year : 
President,  Colonel  Joseph  W.  Hawley,  Media,  Pa. ;  vice-president, 
Robert  M.  Green,  1415  Vine  Street,  Philadelphia:  treasurer,  Joel 
Hollingsworth,  Wallingford,  Pa.;  secretary,  Edward  T.  Harlan, 
2444  North  Seventeenth  Street,  Philadelphia. 

Colonel  Hawley  then  announced  the  following  appointments : 
Executive  Committee :  Jesse  Darlington,  John  Standring,  George 
D.  Miller,  William  Trainer,  Jr.,  Charles  Moore.  Benjamin  T. 
Green,  Charles  Broadbent.  Obituary  Committee :  John  D. 
Howard,  Robert  M.  Green,  David  S.  Wilkinson. 

PLACE  OF  XKXT  MEETING. 

The  following  places  were  named  at  which  to  hold  the  reunion 
on  "Antietam  Day"  next  year :  Richmond,  Va. ;  Washington, 
D.  C. ;  Gettysburg,  Oxford,  West  Chester,  and  Valley  Forge,  Pa.; 
Antietam,  Mel. ;  Atlantic  City,  X.  J. ;  it  was  also  suggested 
that  a  steamer  be  chartered,  and  the  regiment  spend  the  day  in 
a  trip  down  the  Delaware  River.  The  matter  of  selecting  the 
place  of  next  meeting  was  referred  to  the  Executive  Committee, 
with  power  to  act. 

THE  REGIMENTAL  HISTORY. 

Colonel  Hawley  again  called  attention  to  the  fact  that  the  aid 
of  all  the  members  was  solicited  in  the  work  of  the  proposed 
publication  of  the  regimental  history,  under  the  direction  of 
Comrade  Robert  M.  Green.  This  book  will  contain  over  200 
pages,  with  the  roster  and  history  of  the  regiment,  records  of  all 
the  annual  reunions,  history  of  the  handsome  monument  erected 
last  year  on  Antietam  Battlefield,  the  addresses  of  Colonel 
Hawley,  Comrade  Robert  M.  Green,  Governor  Pennypacker, 
Secretary  of  War,  Rev.  J.  Richards  Boyle,  Thomas  J.  Stewart, 

322 


Brandywine  Springs  Park  Reunion,  7905. 

and  many  other  items  of  interest,  together  with  nearly  100 
illustrations  and  portraits ;  among  them  are  those  of  President 
Lincoln,  General  McClellan,  General  Meade,  General  Hooker, 
General  Mansfield,  General  Kane,  Governor  Pennypacker,  Colonel 
Hawley,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Litzenberg,  Lieutenant  William  C. 
Dickey,  Colonel  Benjamin  Brooke,  Captain  Norris  L.  Yarnall, 
Charles  P.  Keech,  John  W.  Marshall,  and  others,  the  old  Danker 
Church,  Burnside  Bridge,  National  Cemetery  at  Antietam, 
Chancellor  House,  etc. 

Music  AND   SPEECH. 

An  enjoyable  concert  was  given  by  the  band,  including  the 
rendition  of  "Marching  Through  Georgia,"  "Tenting  To-night 
on  the  Old  Camp  Ground,"  and  other  war-time  songs,  by  a  chorus 
of  mixed  voices. 

Rev.  John  \V.  Sayres,  chaplain-in-chief  of  the  G.  A.  R., 
Department  of  Pennsylvania,  \vas  called  upon  for  an  address, 
when,  among  other  things,  he  said  that  he  was  pleased  to  be  with 
the  survivors  of  the  I24th  Regiment,  and  was  proud  of  the  record 
they  had  made.  His  reference  to  President  Roosevelt's  interest 
in  behalf  of  peace  in  the  far  East  evoked  loud  applause.  He  said 
there  was  ''Providence  in  the  adoption  of  our  flag,  the  stars 
of  heaven  being  linked  to  the  rainbow ;  victory  has  ever  followed 
our  flag,  and  none  had  been  so  honored  as  our  banner.  There 
is  no  better  class  of  men  anywhere  than  the  citizen  soldiers  of 
this  Republic. 

THE  DINNER. 

Music  by  the  band  followed,  and  then  dinner  was  served. 

THE  CAMP-EIRE. 

Soon  after  all  had  partaken  of  the  bountiful  repast,  the  camp- 
fire  \vas  started  by  Colonel  Hawley,  when  Corporal  ''Tom''  Kay, 
the  well-known  entertainer,  gave  his  flute  solo  on  a  cane  borrowed 
from  a  spectator.  Rev.  Mr.  Thatcher,  pastor  of  the  Baptist 
Church,  of  Chester,  was  called  upon  for  an  address.  He  spoke 
briefly,  and  expressed  his  regrets  that  his  youthful  age  had  pre 
vented  his  participation  in  the  War  of  the  Rebellion. 

323 


Brandywine  Springs  Park  Reunion,  1905. 

"Every  American  citizen  can  be  proud  of  his  citizenship,  for  the  veterans 
have  left  us  a  rich  heritage,  an  unrivaled  nation,  with  territorial  integrity. 
We  have  the  principle  of  human  brotherhood.  Here  are  all  men  regarded 
in  equality.  We  thank  the  soldiers  for  an  undivided  country,  and  now 
peace  encircles  the  whole  world.  We  thank  you  for  your  devotion." 

John  L.  Grim,  of  Philadelphia,  a  former  drummer  boy  of  the 
1 24th  Regiment,  and  at  present  a  member  of  the  Pennsylvania 
G.  A.  R.  Staff,  was  the  next  speaker.  He  referred  to  several 
reminiscences  of  Chancellorsville  and  other  campaigns.  Con 
cluding,  he  said  : 

"It  is  the  duty  of  the  old  soldiers  to  close  up  the  gap  with  fraternal  feel 
ing.  Comradeship  was  welded  in  the  fires  of  battle.  God  intended  this 
nation  to  be  the  greatest  in  the  world.  We  have  taught  other  nations 
sciences,  etc.,  and  we  now  stand  on  the  pinnacle  of  education." 

He  made  a  stirring  appeal  for  patriotism,  and  was  greeted 
with  a  continued  storm  of  applause. 

Rev.  William  H.  Shaffer,  of  the  Chester  M.  E.  Church,  paid  a 
glowing  tribute  to  the  dear,  old  flag  and  the  devotion  of  the 
soldiers  of  the  Republic  who  saved  the  Union.  In  conclusion, 
he  said  :  "May  God  bless  you  and  aid  you  to  live  long." 

Prof.  George  W.  Channell,  Company  K,  now  of  the  Port 
Carbon  public  schools,  made  a  few  remarks,  and  introduced  his 
son,  Rev.  G.  Wayne  Channell,  pastor  of  the  Trinity  M.  E.  Church, 
Philadelphia,  who  made  a  ringing  speech.  He  said  that  he  was 
always  glad  to  express  his  thankfulness  to  the  old  veterans  for 
the  blessings  now  enjoyed  through  their  sacrifices.  He  alluded 
to  the  bravery  of  the  troops  in  the  numerous  struggles  on  the 
battlefields  of  the  South.  "All  glory,  then,  to  the  old  Flag,  which 
should  never  be  disgraced  nor  dishonored." 

Rev.  John  W.  Sayres,  chaplain  of  the  Department  of  Pennsyl 
vania,  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic,  made  a  few  reminiscent 
remarks,  and  after  a  song  or  two  by  Corporal  "Tom"  Kay,  assisted 
by  the  assemblage,  the  reunion  exercises  came  to  an  end. 

After  a  short  session  of  renewing  old  acquaintances  and 
forming  new  ones,  the  assemblage  departed,  all  greatly  pleased 
with  the  day's  outing  and  its  varied  enjoyment. 

324 


Brandyu'inc  Springs  Park  Reunion,  7905. 

THE  ROSTER. 

Following  is  the  register  of  those  present,  so  far  as  could  be 
obtained,  but  does  not  include  all  who  attended  the  reunion : 

Staff. — Col.  Joseph  W.  Hawley ;  Chaplain,  Rev.  Joseph  S.  Evans ;  Sur 
geon,  Dr.  Joseph  R.  Martin. 

Company  A — Harmon  G.  Bond,  George  W.  Tyson,  John  M.  Windle, 
David  S.  Wilkinson,  Samuel  B.  Smiley,  Wilmer  W.  Glisson,  Samuel  Byers. 

Company  B — George  W.  Ayres,  Chailes  W.  Broadbent,  Thomas  H.  Kay, 
John  J.  Wilkinson. 

Company  C — George  E.  Taylor,  Thoir.as  McFadden,  David  Pierson,  J.  Z. 
Webb,  Juel  S.  Greenfield,  John  R.  McFadden. 

Company  D — John  L.  Grim,  Benj.  T.  Green,  John  D.  Howard,  Wm.  T. 
limes,  Charles  Moore,  George  D.  Miller,  Henry  C.  Warburton,  Pennell 
Stackhouse,  Edward  B.  Green,  Stephen  T.  Smith,  Jesse  Darlington,  B.  F. 
Thomas,  Charles  Watkins. 

Company  E— Wm.  H.  Burns,  Elias  W.  Copeland,  Ezekiel  R.  Griffith, 
Edward  T.  Harlan,  secretary,  No.  2444  North  Seventeenth  Street.  Phila 
delphia  ;  S.  S.  Johnson,  \Villiam  Mercer,  Oliver  R.  Patterson,  George  M. 
Thomson,  Samuel  J.  Thompson,  Fred.  T.  Ingram,  Josiah  Burnett,  Wm.  B. 
Hanna,  Jos.  Wr.  Hal!,  Isaac  L.  Harvey,  Charles  S.  Kearns,  Charles  H. 
Kitzleman,  Joseph  Hampton. 

Company  F — John  S.  Baldwin,  Caleb  S.  James.  George  R.  Maxton,  I. 
Walton  Martin,  Joseph  W.  Martin,  Townsend  Mercer,  William  \V.  Potts, 
Evan  A.  Mercer,  George  F.  Bailey. 

Company  G — Wilmer  \Vood,  William  Mendenhall,  Lorenzo  D.  Farra, 
W.  H.  Houck. 

Company  H — Joseph  Arment,  Charles  Bonsall,  James  C.  Hinkson,  Sam 
uel  Heacock,  John  Standring,  Wm.  Trainer,  Jr..  Benjamin  F.  Hirst,  Robert 
Casey. 

Company  I — N.  G.  Garrigan.  James  Cunningham. 

Company  K — Enos  C.  Baker,  George  L.  Osborne,  George  \V.  Channell, 
William  Kane.  Andrew  Voder,  W.  S.  Miller. 


325 


JOHN  L.  GRIM. 


\\'hen  the  Civil  War 
broke  out  John  L,.  Grim 
was  a  boy  of  seventeen 
living  with  his  father  on  a 
farm  near  Media,  Pennsyl 
vania.  At  the  first  call  for 
three  months'  men,  he  tried 
to  enlist,  but  was  rejected 
three  times  on  account  of 
age.  Finally  he  was  ac 
cepted  in  Company  D, 
Fifth  Pennsylvania  Cav 
alry,  Cameron  Dragoons, 
at  Paoli,  Pennsylvania, 
July  3oth,  1 86 1.  He 
served  in  that  regiment 
until  December,  1861, 
when  he  was  discharged 
for  disability  by  reason  of 
typhoid  fever.  He  re- 
enlisted  August  4th,  1862, 
in  Company  D,  I2_|.th  Penn 
sylvania,  and  served  until  the  muster  out  of  the  regiment, 
May,  1863.  On  June  i/th,  1863,  he  re-enlisted  in  the  29th 
Pennsylvania  Volunteer  Militia,  Colonel  Joseph  W.  Hawley, 
commanding,  and  served  until  the  regiment  was  discharged. 
He  then  entered  the  United  States  Military  Construction  Corps, 
and  while  serving  in  that  department  was  captured  by  Moseby's 
guerillas ;  escaping  from  them,  he  served  with  the  corps  until  the 
close  of  the  war  and  was  discharged  at  the  age  of  twenty-one  as 
superintendent  of  one  of  the  divisions. 

Although  but  a  drummer  boy,  he  was  ordered  by  General  Kane 
at  the  battle  of  Chancellorsville  to  take  the  drummers,  pack  mules 
and  cooks  to  the  rear ;  he  disobeyed  the  order  and  went  into  the 
fight,  and  was  afterwards  presented  with  a  drum  major's  sword 
for  bravery,  with  the  inscription,  ''Drummer  Roy  of  Chancellors 
ville." 

Comrade  Grim  is  Past  Commander  and  an  active  worker  in 
Courtland  Sannders  Post,  No.  21,  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic. 

326 


1861. 


/)  / 

,^WUu 


1907. 


LEXAPE    PARK    REUNION. 

(Twenty-second  Annual.) 
SEPTEMBER  17,  1906. 

The  twenty-second  annual  reunion  of  the  survivors  of  the  I24th 
(marking-  the  forty-fourth  anniversary  of  the  Battle  of  Antietam) 
was  held  at  Lenape  Park,  a  few^  miles  from  West  Chester,  Pa. 
Members  of  the  regiment  and  friends,  numbering  more  than  200, 
were  transported  from  the  West  Chester  Station  to  and  from 
the  park  by  electric  cars.  The  Boys'  Band,  of  35  pieces,  of  Glen 
Mills  School,  in  charge  of  Prof.  P.  P.  Brown,  was  in  attendance. 

The  roster  of  the  veterans  present  follows : 

Staff — Chaplain,  Rev:  Joseph  S.  Evans ;  Surgeon,  Dr.  Joseph  R.  Martin. 

Company  A — Harmon  G.  Bond,  William  Epright,  David  S.  Wilkinson, 
Wilmer  Glisson,  Samuel  B.  Smiley,  George  W.  Tyson. 

Company  C — George  G.  Taylor,  David  Pierson,  John  H.  Greenfield,  Joel 
Greenfield,  W.  Harrison  Worth. 

Company  D — John  D.  Howard,  J.  Millson,  Charles  Moore,  George  D. 
Miller,  Joel  Hollingsworth,  Edward  B.  Green,  Jesse  Darlington,  Stephen  T. 
Smith,  John  Pugh,  John  F.  Worrilow,  Henry  C.  Warburton,  Jesse  Darling 
ton,  Jr. 

Company  E — Fred.  T.  Ingram,  Joseph  Hampton,  Wm.  Y.  Townsend, 
Joseph  W.  Hall,  Josiah  Burnett,  Ezekiel  R.  Griffith,  William  H.  Burns, 
Joseph  B.  Taylor,  Edward  T.  Harlan,  William  Mercer,  Isaac  Harvey, 
Samuel  J.  Thompson,  George  M.  Thomson. 

Company  F — I.  Walton  Martin,  Townsend  Mercer,  Joseph  W.  Martin, 
Evan  A.  Mercer,  George  R.  Martin,  John  S.  Baldwin,  Caleb  S.  James. 

Company  G — William  Mendenhall,  Wilmer  Woods. 

Company  H — William  Trainer,  Samuel  Heacock,  George  W.  Poole, 
Joseph  Arment,  \Villiam  T.  Chandler,  John  Standring,  Robert  M.  Green, 
Lewis  C.  Megonigal,  Charles  Bonsall. 

Company   I — William   Hampton. 

Company  K — Joseph  C..  Freel,  Jesse  Walter,  Jacob  Berkeheizer,  James  F. 
Cunningham,  Enos  C.  Baker,  John  Holstein,  George  Harkins,  George  L. 
Osborne,  Henry  S.  Burns,  B.  Frank  Sharp. 

BUSINESS  MEETING. 

Comrades  and  friends,  escorted  by  the  band,  assembled  in  the 
dancing  pavilion,  and  the  meeting  was  called  to  order  at  n  A.  M., 
by  Comrade  Robert  M.  Green,  vice-president  of  the  Association. 

329 


Lcnapc  Park  Reunion,  iyo6. 

lie  announced  that  Colonel  Hawley  (president)  was  unavoidably 
detained  in  Europe,  and  expressed  his  regrets  that  he  could  not 
be  with  us,  and  that  it  was  the  first  reunion  he  had  failed  to  attend 
since  the  organization  of  the  Association. 

Rev.  Joseph  S.  Evans,  chaplain  of  the  Association  and  formerly 
of  the  regiment,  offered  an  appropriate  prayer. 

The  minutes  of  last  year's  reunion  were  read  by  Secretary 
Edward  T.  Marian,  and  were  approved. 

Comrade  Green  stated  that  he  was  still  suffering  from  the 
injuries  received  in  a  railroad  wreck  of  a  year  ago,  and  asked  to 
be  excused  from  making  any  extended  remarks.  He  called  the 
attention  of  the  comrades  to  the  fact  that  sufficient  subscriptions 
had  not  been  received  to  justify  him  in  printing  the  records  which 
he  had  prepared  at  the  direction  of  the  Association  at  its  meeting 
in  Antietam,  in  1904. 


The 


Obituary  Committee  reported  the  following  deaths: 


Casncr  Pike,  at  Albion,  Mich.,  August  8,  1904. 

Menanda   Slack,  at  Golden,  Colorado,  May  5,    1905. 

Rev.  John  W.  Miles,  at  Romansville,  September  26,  1905. 

James  Lynch,  at  Oxford,  Pa.,  September  28,  1905. 

John  W.  Kemble,  at  Asbnry  Park,  N.  J.,  October  2,  1905. 

David  Laird,  at  Downingtown,  Pa.,  February  23,   1906. 

Thomas  H.  Kay,  at  Philadelphia,  March  22,  1906. 

Gardner  Kelly,  at  Wallingford,  Pa.,  April  8,  1906. 

William  Keech,  at  Downingtown,  Pa.,  April  19,  1906. 

Brinton  J.  Heyburn,  at  Concord.  Pa.,  April  28,  1906. 

Edward  Jackson,   May   n,    1906. 

Elias  W.  Copeland,  in  Highland  Township,  May  29,  1906. 

Benjamin  T.  Green,  at  Cumberland,  July  6.  1906. 

Ellis  W.  Ford,  in  Valley  Township,  July  18,  1906. 

After  the  report  was  read,  the  chairman  requested  Chaplain 
Evans  to  make  some  remarks  as  a  supplementary  report ;  the 
chaplain  paid  a  high  tribute  to  the  deceased  comrades,  and 
referred  especially  to  the  death  of  Corporal  Thomas  H.  Kay,  who. 
he  said,  had  met  with  us  in  so  many  of  the  reunions  of  the  past, 
and  had  rendered  innocent  amusement  that  he  was  so  peculiarly 
adapted  for. 

Comrade  John  Pugh  spoke  in  favor  of  printing  the  records 
that  Comrade  Robert  M.  Green  had  given  so  much  time  in  pre- 
330 


Lcnapc  Park  Reunion,  7906. 

paring".  He  argued  that  as  the  work  had  been  authorized  by  the 
Association,  comrades  should  subscribe  liberally  for  the  books, 
and  thereby  aid  in  its  publication. 

The  following-named  officers  were  unanimously  re-elected : 

President,  Joseph  W.  Hawley. 
Vice- President,  Robert  M.  Green. 
Secretary,  Edward  T.  Harlan. 
Treasurer,   Joel   Hollingsworth. 
Chaplain,  Rev.  Joseph   S.  Evans. 

The  ( )bituary  Committee  was  appointed,  as  follows  : 

JOHN    D.    HOWARD, 

JOHN  PUGH, 

DAVID    S.    WILKINSON. 

THE  NEXT  RKUXIOX. 

For  some  years  past  the  Executive  Committee  had  selected  the 
place  for  holding  the  reunions,  but,  on  motion,  it  was  decided  that 
the  members  of  the  regiment  present  should  vote  on  the  question. 
Several  places  were  named,  and  the  balloting  resulted  as  follows  : 

West    Chester,    Pa 12 

Antietam,    Md 10 

Richmond,     Va 34 

The  latter  place  was  decided  upon,  with  a  possible  side  trip  to 
the  Jamestown  Exposition,  the  arrangements  to  be  completed  by 
the  Executive  Committee. 

Chairman  Green  stated  that  he  would  defer  the  appointment 
of  the  Executive  Committee  until  the  return  of  President  Hawley. 

\Yhen  the  business  meeting  adjourned,  Chairman  Green  stated 
that,  owring  to  his  feeble  condition,  he  would  ask  Comrade  Jesse 
Darlington,  chairman  of  the  Executive  Committee,  to  take  charge 
of  the  camp-fire,  to  be  held  after  dinner  had  been  partaken  of. 

Tin-;  C. \MP-FTRK 

Was  held  in  the  dancing  pavilion,  commencing  at  2.30  o'clock, 
and  was  opened  by  a  pleasing  concert  by  the  Glen  Mills  Band. 
In  the  absence  of  Colonel  Hawle.  and  \  ice- President  Green 


Lcnape  Park  Reunion,  iyo6. 

not  feeling  able  to  preside  at  this  meeting.  Comrade  John  Pugh, 
of  Conshohocken,  was  selected  to  preside,  and,  in  a  brief  address, 
thanked  the  Association  for  the  honor  conferred.  He  then  intro 
duced,  as  the  first  orator,  Walter  S.  Talbot,  Esq.,  of  West  Chester, 
who,  in  opening  his  address,  said  it  was  fitting  that  these  old 
soldiers  should  meet  in  reunion  on  the  banks  of  the  historic 
Brandywine,  and  within  a  short  distance  of  the  battlefield  at 
Chadd's  Ford.  He  reviewed,  in  eloquent  terms,  the  services  of 
the  heroic  I24th  at  Antietam,  Chancellorsville,  and  other  fields 
of  carnage.  He  referred  to  the  brave  boys  in  blue  who  fill  the 
graves  in  Dixie  land,  where  the  pines  sift  the  moonlight  over 
their  mounds. 

The  veterans  are  models  for  the  rising  generations,  who  will 
receive  their  lessons  of  patriotism  from  the  valorous  deeds  of  the 
soldiers.  The  address  was  punctuated  with  veins  of  patriotic 
reference,  which  were  vigorously  applauded  by  the  audience. 
"The  Star  Spangled  Banner"  and  other  selections  were  then 
played  by  the  band. 

Francis  Fisher  Kane,  of  the  Philadelphia  Bar,  a  nephew  of 
General  Thomas  Leiper  Kane,  commander  of  the  brigade  to  which 
was  attached  the  I24th  Regiment  after  the  Antietam  Battle,  was 
introduced,  and  gave  some  reminiscences  of  his  honored  relative, 
and  concluded  with  a  brief  oration  on  the  theme  of  "Comradeship." 

Following  another  pleasing  selection  by  the  band,  Colonel  John 
Wainwright,  Wilmington,  Del.,  late  commander  of  the  Ninety- 
seventh  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  was  called  upon,  and  expressed 
pleasure  in  being  present.  He  paid  a  tribute  to  the  Union  soldiers, 
and  especially  to  the  valor  of  the  I24th  Regiment. 

By  request,  Comrade  John  A.  Chambers,  of  Company  A,  con 
tributed  a  vocal  solo,  "Tenting  on  the  Old  Camp  Ground." 

Rev.  Wrayne  G.  Channell,  pastor  of  a  Philadelphia  M.  E. 
Church,  and  son  of  Comrade  George  W.  Channell,  of  Port 
Carbon,  Pa.,  made  a  brief  address  on  "Patriotism,"  teeming  with 
eloquent  oratory.  He  spoke  of  the  brotherhood  of  man,  and  the 
freedom  obtained  by  the  devotion  of  the  soldiers  to  this  great 
Government.  His  allusion  to  the  labors  of  President  Roosevelt 
was  vigorously  applauded.  The  unlimited  resources  of  our 
country  received  some  attention  by  the  speaker. 

332 


Lenapc  Park  Reunion,  iyo6. 

Xorbert  B.  Hamilton,  of  West  Chester,  entertained  with  a 
vocal  solo,  "The  Holy  City/' 

Music,  "Rally  Round  the  Flag,"  by  band. 

Recitation,  "Blue  and  Gray  at  Antietam,"  by  Miss  Martin,  of 
Christiana. 

Vocal  solo,  "I  am  just  as  young  as  I  used  to  be,"  by  James 
Fryer,  of  Chester. 

Solo,  John  Pugh,  of  Conshohocken. 

Many  citizens  visited  Lenape  during  the  afternoon,  and 
attended  the  camp-fire. 

After  music  by  the  band,  the  assemblage  dispersed. 

[XoTE  BY  EDITOR:  The  reunion  at  Lenape  Park  was  the  last 
one  held  by  the  Regimental  Association  prior  to  the  printing  of 
this  history.  The  records  of  the  various  reunions  as  published 
herein  are  largely  due  to  the  efficiency  of  the  secretaries  of  the 
Association  and  to  Mr.  Geo.  B.  McCormick,  an  associate  member. 

When  we  started  out  on  our  annual  pilgrimages,  the  faces  that 
had  upon  them  the  bloom  of  youth  have  now  become  seamed  with 
the  weight  of  years,  and  the  annual  reports  of  the  obituary  com 
mittee  show  that  our  ranks  are  rapidly  diminishing  and  that 
many  loved  comrades  have  gone  to  their  eternal  rest.  But,  beauti 
ful  and  sweet  is  the  memory  of  the  dead  when  the  remembrance 
ot  their  lives  comes  back  to  us,  fragrant  with  gentle  words  and 
unselfish  acts.] 


333 


THOMAS    H.   KAY. 

Born  in  Edinburgh,  Scotland,  May  14,  1836.  Emigrated  with 
his  parents,  and  landed  in  Chester,  Pa.,  September  i/th,  of  the 
same  year. 

He  was  known  in  the  regiment  as  Corporal  Kay,  of  Company 
B.  After  the  term  of  service  of  the  I24th  had  expired,  he 
re-enlisted  with  the  iij/th  Pennsylvania  Volunteers. 

He  was  a  member  of  Philip  R.  Schuyler  Post,  Xo.  51,  Depart 
ment  of  Pennsylvania,  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic.  He  was  an 
active  member  of  the  Regimental  Association  of  the  I24th  from 
the  date  of  its  organization  until  the  time  of  his  death,  March  22, 
1906.  By  reference  to  the  records  of  the  annual  reunions,  it  will 
be  seen  that  at  the  camp-fires  connected  with  those  occasions,  he 
added  much  to  the  enjoyment  by  singing  comic  songs  and  giving 
flute  imitations  on  a  cane. 

His  most  popular  song,  and  one  that  has  delighted  thousands, 
is  the  "Old  Coffee  Kettle,"  published  on  another  page. 

He  was  very  popular  as  a  humorist  among  the  membership  of 
the  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic  throughout  the  State  of 
Pennsylvania. 


334 


THOS.    H.    KAY. 


THE  OLD  COFFEE  KETTLE  THAT   HUNG  ON  A  POLE. 
Sung  by  Corporal  Thomas  H.  Kay  at  reunions. 

How  clear  to  our  hearts  are  the  days  when  we  soldiered, 

As  fond  recollection  presents  them  to  view  ; 
The  long  line  of  earthworks,  the  deep  tangled  thickets 

And  every  rough  spot  that  our  army  life  knew. 
The  long  parks  of  cannons  with  harness  and  saddles, 

The  picket-roped  horses  oft  trying  to  roll ; 
The  cook-house,  the  guard-tent,  the  muskets  stacked  nigh  it, 

And  the  old  coffee  kettle  that  hung  on  a  pole. 

CHORUS. 

The  sheet-iron  kettle,  the  smutty  old  kettle, 
The  old  coffee  kettle  that  hung  on  a  pole. 

Thirteen  dollars  a  month  for  standing  as  targets, 

For  heaps  of  cold  lead  and  old  iron  and  steel ; 
But  Grant  says  we're  better  for  what  we  endured  then, 

And  we  can't  make  a  point  on  the  general's  deal. 
We  ate  ''salt  horse"  and  hard  tack  in  all  kinds  of  weather, 

Some  rations  we  drew  and  some  others  we  stole; 
But  still,  my  old  chums,   we   will  always  remember 

The  old  coffee  kettle  that  hung  on  a  pole. 

ilow  dear  to  this  day  are  the  forms  and  the  faces 

Of  those  who  stood  by  us  in  those  trying  times  ! 
But  so  many  are  gone  from  the  ranks  and  their  places, 

That  it  mightily  shortens  the  rriginal   lines. 
P>ut  marching  and  fighting  we  all  well  remember, 

And  everything  trying  to  body  and  soul ; 
Rut  one  thing  we  had  that  was  genuine  pleasure. 

'Twas  the  old  coffee  kettle  that  hung  on  a  pole. 

Now  most  of  us.  comrades,  are  feeble  and  cripples, 

Our  heads  growing  gray  with  the  fast  fleeting  time; 
But  though  in  this  world  still  our  muster  roll  shortens, 

We  know  it  grows  long  in  a  happier  clime. 
Soon  all  of  us,  comrades,  must  pass  over  Jordan, 

And  leave  all  we  have  for  the  ferry-man's  toll, 
But  never  till  then  can  you  make  us  surrender, 

The  old  coffee  kettle  that  hung  on  a  pole. 


22  337 


A  PROMINENT  GRAND  ARMY  POST 
HONORS    MEMBERS   OF   THE 

I24TH. 

George  G.  Meade  Post,  No.  i, 
of  Philadelphia,  Department  of 
Pennsylvania,  Grand  Army  of  the 
Republic,  had  on  its  roll  of  mem 
bership  the  following  named  com 
rades  who  had  belonged  to  the 
1 24th : 

Colonel   Benjamin   Brooke, 
Hunter   Brooke, 

William  B.   Bunker, 
Lorenzo  F.  Davis, 
William    T.    Innes, 
Robert  M.  Green, 
William  G.  Knowles, 
John   W.   Marshall, 
W.  Wayne  Vogdes, 
William  Pusey  West, 
Charles  J.  Esrey. 

Of  these,  W.  Wayne  Vogdes,  Robert  M.  Green,  John  W.  Mar 
shall  and  Benjamin  Brooke  became  commanders  of  the  post.  In 
the  year  1894,  when  Robert  M.  Green  was  commander,  John  W. 
Marshall  was  senior  vice-commander,  and  Benjamin  Brooke, 
junior  vice-commander,  so  that  during  that  year,  the  three  import 
ant  offices  of  that  great  post  were  filled  by  comrades  who  had  been 
members  of  the  I24th. 

Meade  Post  has  the  honor  of  having  on  its  roll  the  name  of 
General  Ulysses  S.  Grant,  and  on  its  roll  of  honorary  members, 
that  of  President  Theodore  Roosevelt. 

When  the  Grant  Memorial,  on  Riverside  Drive,  New  York,  was 
dedicated,  April  27,  1897,  Col.  Benj.  Brooke  and  Robt.  M.  Green 
were  selected  as  part  of  the  committee  from  Meade  Post  to  escort 
Mrs.  Grant  and  family  during  the  ceremonies. 


338 


SAMUEL  WHITAKER  PENNYPACKER. 

GOYKRXOR   OF   I'KXXSYfA'AXIA. 

\\as  born  in  Phoenixville,  Pa.,  April  9,  1843.  Enlisted  in 
1863,  joined  Company  F,  of  the  Twenty-sixth  Pennsylvania  Emer 
gency  Regiment,  and  was  an  active  participant  in  the  battle  of 
Gettysburg.  In  1866  graduated  in  the  law  department  of  the 
University  of  Pennsylvania,  and  at  once  engaged  in  the  practice 
of  law. 

In  1887  was  admitted  to  the  bar  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  the 
United  States;  in  1889  was  appointed  Judge  of  Court  of  Common 
Pleas  in  Philadelphia  by  Governor  Beaver,  and  in  same  year,  was 
elected  to  the  same  position  for  a  term  of  ten  years;  in  1899, 
was  re-elected  for  a  similar  term.  In  1902,  was  elected  Governor 
of  Pennsylvania,  and  on  April  14,  1903.  signed  the  bill  appro 
priating  $32,500  for  the  erection  of  thirteen  monuments  on  the 
battlefield  of  Antietam,  among  the  number  that  of  the  I24th 
Regiment. 

In  addition  to  his  own  military  record,  his  grandfather,  Joseph 
Whitaker,  was  a  private  in  the  War  of  1812.  His  great  grand 
father,  Isaac  Anderson,  was  a  lieutenant  during  the  Revolution, 
his  great,  great  grandfather,  Patrick  Anderson,  was  a  captain  in 
the  French  and  Indian  War,  and  commanded  the  Pennsylvania 
Musketry  Battalion  in  the  Revolution  and  was  a  Major  in  Wayne's 
Chester  County  Regiment.  His  great,  great  grandfather,  Edward 
Lane,  was  a  private  under  General  Braddock  in  the  expedition  to 
Fort  Duquesne  in  1775. 

Three  of  his  forefathers  were  killed  at  Agincourt. 


THE  BATTLEFIELD  COMMISSION. 

On  April  14,  1903,  Governor  Pennypacker  approved  the  bill 
appropriating  $2,500  for  each  of  thirteen  monuments  to  be  erected 
on  the  battlefield  of  Antietam,  and  appointed  the  following  com 
mission  :  Colonel  Joseph  W.  Hawley,  president ;  Colonel  Oliver 
C.  Bosbyshell,  secretary,  and  General  William  J.  Bolton. 

The  commands  whose  deeds  of  valor  it  was  decided  to  com 
memorate  are  given  on  another  page. 

The  commission,  soon  after  its  appointment,  conferred  with 
the  committees  of  the  survivors'  associations  of  the  different 
regiments ;  designs  were  submitted  and  a  contract  for  the  thirteen 
monuments  was  awarded  to  the  Van  Amringe  Granite  Co.,  of 
Boston,  Mass.,  at  the  price  of  $2,500  each. 

The  1 24th  Regimental  Association  (having  collected  funds 
from  members  and  others)  had  previously  decided  upon  a  design 
for  their  monument  and  it  was  approved  by  the  commission,  con 
ditionally  that  the  Regimental  Association  should  pay  the  addi 
tional  cost  over  and  above  the  $2,500  appropriated  by  the  State. 
Chairman  Robert  M.  Green,  on  behalf  of  the  Monument  Com 
mittee,  accepted  this  condition  and  signed  the  contract  recited 
upon  another  page.  The  price  agreed  upon  in  the  contract  was 
four  hundred  dollars  less  than  the  same  company  had  offered 
to  build  the  monument  for,  prior  to  the  time  when  the  commis 
sion  decided  to  give  it  the  contract  for  the  entire  thirteen. 

The  comrades  of  the  I24th,  felt  so  grateful  to  Governor  Penny- 
packer  for  having  signed  the  appropriation  bill  that  the  writer 
deemed  it  but  just  that  his  portrait  and  a  short  sketch  of  his  life 
should  be  published  herein. 

342 


HISTORY  OF  THE  MONUMENT 

OF  THlv 

ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FOURTH. 

At  the  fourth  annual  reunion  of  the  Regimental  Association, 
held  at  Chester,  September  17,  1888,  a  committee  was  appointed 
to  secure  ground  on  which  to  erect  a  tablet  in  honor  of  the  regi 
ment  on  Antietam  battlefield. 

The  committee  named  was  David  F.  Houston,  Chas.  W.  Roberts, 
Edward  F.  James,  Benjamin  Brooke,  Jos.  Showalter,  Ralph 
Buckley,  Robert  M.  Green,  Geo.  M.  Thomson,  Joseph  B.  Hink- 
son  and  Milton  McFadden. 

Comrade  Houston,  the  chairman  of  the  committee,  was  a  man 
of  fine  physique  and  the  picture  of  health,  but  on  the  i6th  of 
February  of  the  year  following  his  appointment,  he  was  injured 
by  a  fall  and  died  a  few  minutes  thereafter. 

The  committee  failed  to  obtain  the  desired  ground  and  at  the 
reunion  of  the  association  held  in  Wilmington,  Del.,  Septembei 
17,  1889,  a  new  committee  was  appointed  as  follows:  Robert  M. 
Green,  Captain  Chas.  W.  Roberts,  Lieutenant  Ralph  Buckley, 
Lieutenant  Win.  C.  Dickey,  Colonel  Benjamin  Brooke,  Thos.  W. 
Taylor,  Chas.  P.  Keech,  Captain  Edward  F.  James,  Joseph  B. 
Hinkson,  Captain  W.  W.  Stott. 

No  further  mention  of  the  tablet  is  made  in  the  records  of  the 
association  until  the  reunion  at  Antietam,  September  17,  1894, 
when  it  was  decided  to  place  the  monumental  tablet  as  near  as 
possible  to  the  spot  where  Colonel  Hawley  was  wounded. 

At  the  reunion  held  September  17,  1895,  at  Valley  Forge,  Com 
rade  John  W.  Marshall  moved  that  the  next  State  Legislature  be 
memorialized  for  an  appropriation  to  procure  suitable  monumental 
tablets  to  be  placed  on  Antietam  Battlefield  in  honor  of  the  Pennsyl 
vania  regiments  which  fought  at  Antietam  and  did  not  participate 
in  the  struggle  at  Gettysburg.  The  motion  was  carried,  and  John 
W.  Marshall,  Colonel  Jos.  W.  Hawley,  Colonel  Benj.  Brooke, 
Win.  B.  Broomall  and  Thos.  T.  Smith  were  named  as  a  committee 
to  prepare  suitable  memorials  to  submit  to  the  Legislature.  This 
committee  was  continued  at  the  reunion  held  September  17,  1896, 

343 


History  of  Monument. 

at  Chancellorsville.  Xo  report  was  made  by  it  until,  at  the  reunion 
held  at  Castle  Rocks  Park,  September  17,  1901,  when  it  reported 
that  at  the  last  session  of  the  State  Legislature,  an  appropriation 
of  $1,500  was  made  to  each  of  the  following'  regimental  asso 
ciations:  Forty-fifth,  Fiftieth,  Fifty-first,  looth,  I24th,  I25th, 
128th,  i'3Oth,  I32d  and  I37th  Pennsylvania  Infantry.  Governor 
Stone  reduced  the  appropriation  to  $750.  The  following  resolu 
tion  was  then  adopted :  That  Colonel  Hawley  appoint  a  committee 
and  that  it  be  empowered  to  raise  funds  (other  than  the  amount 
provided  for  by  the  Legislature)  to  select  and  secure  a  proper 
site  for  a  monument  for  the  I24th  on  the  battlefield  of  Antietam, 
and  to  procure  a  monument  that  w7ill  be  an  honor  to  the  regiment 
and  a  fitting  recognition  of  its  valor,  and  to  substantially  erect 
same  on  said  site. 

The  following  named  committee  was  appointed  : 
Captain  Joseph  Pratt,  chairman ;  James  Cheetham,  David  Cox,  Robert 
\\.  Green,  Col.  Benj.  Brooke,  Henry  C.  Warburton,  George  W.  Roberts, 
J.  Frank  Black,  Robert  Woodsidc,  Amos  Bonsall,  David  S.  Wilkinson, 
John  L.  Grim,  Rev.  Joseph  S.  Evans,  John  Pugh,  Henry  l>.  lUack,  Hunter 
Brooke,  C.  D.  M.  Broomhall. 

During  the  following  winter  the  committee  met,  and,  on  motion 
of  Colonel  Benjamin  Brooke,  Robert  M.  Green  was  elected 
treasurer  of  the  fund.  A  circular  was  sent  to  the  members  of 
the  association  requesting  contributions,  and  at  the  eighteenth 
annual  reunion,  held  at  Downingtown,  September  17,  1902,  the 
treasurer  reported  having  received  $575  in  cash  and  promised 
subscriptions  of  $350.  The  committee  announced  that  it  had 
declined  to  accept  the  State  appropriation,  which  Governor  Stone 
reduced  from  $1,500  to  $750. 

In  the  early  spring  of  1903,  Col.  Jos.  W.  Hawlev,  Captain  Jos. 
Pratt  and  Robert  M.  Green  were  appointed  a  sub-committee  with 
instructions  to  visit  the  battlefield  at  Gettysburg  and  examine  the 
monuments  there,  and  prepare  plans  to  be  submitted  to  a  future 
meeting  of  the  general  committee.  They  did  as  directed  and  Com 
rade  Green  was  authorized  to  prepare  plans  for  a  monument.  As 
soon  as  these  were  completed,  a  meeting  of  the  general  committee 
was  held,  and  on  motion  of  Comrade  John  Pugh,  it  was  agreed  to 
recommend  the  plans  to  the  Association  at  its  reunion  to  be  held 
at  Castle  Rocks  Park  on  the  i^th  of  September. 

344 


History  of  Monument. 

Prior  to  this  meeting.  Captain  Pratt  became  ill  and  Robert  M. 
Green  was  elected  chairman  of  the  committee. 

At  the  reunion  of  the  Association,  September  17,  1903,  Chair 
man  Green  submitted  the  two  plans  he  had  prepared  and  an 
nounced  that  the  last  Legislature  had  passed  a  bill  (introduced 
by  the  Hon.  Thos.  Y.  Cooper  of  Media)  appropriating"  $2,500 
and  that  same  had  been  approved  by  Governor  Pennypacker. 
Comrade  John  Pugh  moved  that  the  design  prepared  by  Comrade 
Robt.  M.  Green  (estimated  to  cost  $5,000)  be  adopted.  This  was 
agreed  to  and  the  following  Committee  on  Monument  was  ap 
pointed  : 

Robert  M.  Green  John  Pugh 

John  D.  Howard  Joel   Hollingsworth 

Henry  C.  Warburton 

A  canvass  among  those  present  resulted  in  securing  $75  in 
cash  and  $400  in  subscriptions. 

On  September  iQth,  Comrades  John  Pugh,  John  D.  Howard 
and  Chairman  Green  visited  the  Antietam  battlefield  and  together 
with  the  I  Battlefield  Commission,  selected  a  site  for  the  monument 
at  Starke  Avenue  and  Hagerstown  Pike,  near  the  Dunker  Church. 
This  location,  in  the  opinion  of  the  committee,  is  one  of  the  most 
desirable  on  the  battlefield,  and  being  located  on  a  Government 
avenue,  there  was  no  cost  for  the  ground. 

A  short  time  after  returning  home.  Chairman  Green  issued 
another  circular  to  the  survivors  of  the  regiment  and  their  friends, 
appealing  for  contributions  and  stating  that  if  the  funds  in  hand 
'February  i,  1904,  were  sufficient  to  justify  him  in  making  a 
contract,  he  would  agree  to  have  the  monument  ready  for  dedi 
cation  on  the  17111  of  the  following  September. 

This  appeal  was  liberally  responded  to  and  on  the  first  of  Feb 
ruary,  1904,  the  Battlefield  Commission  having  approved  the 
plans,  the  chairman  entered  into  a  contract  with  the  Van  Amringe 
Granite  Co.,  of  P>oston,  as  follows: 

COXTRACT  1-OR  Tlllv  MONUMENT. 

THIS  MEMORANDUM  of  agreement,  made  at  Philadelphia,  Pennsylvania, 
this  first  day  of  February,  1904,  between  the  Van  Amringe  Granite  Co  , 
of  Boston,  Mass.,  and  Robert  M.  Green,  acting  for  and  on  behalf  of  the 
Society  of  the  I2_|.th  Pennsylvania  Regimental  Association. 

345 


Contract  for  Monument. 

WITNESSETH  :  Said  Van  Amringe  Granite  Co.  agrees  to  furnish  and 
set  complete,  upon  foundation  provided  by  said  Van  Amringe  Granite  Co. 
in  Antietam  ( Sharpshurg),  Maryland,  a  statue  memorial  to  be  in  accord 
ance  with  design  furnished  by  the  committee  of  the  I24th  Pennsylvania 
Regimental  Association,  and  approved  by  the  Antietam  Battlefield  Com 
mission  of  Pennsylvania. 

The  foundation  of  said  memorial  to  be  of  such  height  above  present 
level  of  ground  as  may  be  directed ;  the  general  dimensions  above  founda 
tion  being :  Base,  nine  feet  long,  nine  feet  wide,  with  total  height  over  all 
of  nineteen  feet  seven  inches ;  the  pedestal  of  granite  being  eleven  feet 
seven  inches  high,  in  six  courses,  and  each  course  a  single  stone.  The 
bronze  statue  to  be  eight  feet  to  top  of  cap.  In  addition  to  the  bronze 
statue  there  are  to  be  one  bronze  plate  of  standard  size,  with  Pennsylvania 
Coat  of  Arms  thereon,  and  four  round  bronze  plates  eighteen  inches  in 
diameter,  with  such  inscriptions  in  raised  letters  as  may  be  approved  by 
the  Pennsylvania  Commission.  All  bronze  plates  to  be  sunken  three- 
eighths  of  an  inch  from  face  of  granite  to  face  of  plates,  and  to  be 
securely  fastened  therein,  and  the  sharp  edges  of  granite  around  them  to 
be  slightly  chamfered. 

Three  gables  on  third  course  from  bottom  to  be  polished,  and  in  the 
fourth  is  to  be  inserted  the  bronze  plate  of  Pennsylvania  coat  of  arms,  and 
on  the  other  three  gables  and  on  such  ether  parts  as  may  be  directed,  there 
is  to  be  such  lettering  as  may  be  approved  by  the  Pennsylvania  Com 
mission.  A  star,  indicating  corps  badge,  to  be  (cut  raised)  on  upper  course 
of  pedestal  as  may  be  directed. 

It  is  understood  by  both  parties  to  ihis  agreement  that  the  total  cost  of 
said  memorial  is  to  be  four  thousand,  six  hundred  dollars  ($4,600.00)  com 
plete,  as  per  the  above  requirements.  That  the  State  of  Pennsylvania,  by 
act  of  appropriation,  has  contracted  to  pay  the  sum  of  two  thousand,  five 
hundred  dollars  ($2,500.00),  and  that  Robert  M.  Green  hereby  binds  the 
Society  of  the  I24th  Pennsylvania  Regimental  Association  to  pay  the  bal 
ance  of  two  thousand,  one  hundred  dollars  $2,100.00). 

All  the  materials  and  workmanship  are  to  be  of  the  best  quality,  free 
from  iron,  rust,  knots,  or  other  defects.  The  bronze  to  be  of  the  best 
Government  standard.  The  pedestal  to  be  of  Westerly  granite  of  best  se 
lected  stock ;  all  to  be  approved  by  the  Pennsylvania  Commission. 

And  in  consideration  of  the  faithful  performance  of  the  foregoing, 
the  said  Society  of  the  I24th  Pennsylvania  Regimental  Association  hereby 
agrees  to  pay  to  the  order  of  said  Van  Amringe  Granite  Co.  the  sum  of 
two  thousand,  one  hundred  dollars  ($2,100.00),  as  follows  :  One  hundred 
dollars  ($100.00)  upon  signing  hereof  (the  receipt  of  which  is  hereby 
acknowledged),  and  two  thousand  dollars  ($2,000.00)  upon  the  Completion 
of  said  memorial  in  accordance  herewith;  and  it  is  hereby  agreed  and 
understood  that  the  said  memorial  is  to  be  completed  not  later  than  the 
eighth  day  of  September,  1904,  contingent  only  upon  strikes  and  labor 
troubles  beyond  the  control  of  the  said  Van  Amringe  Granite  Co. 

Upon  receipt  of  personal  or  written  notice  of  completion  of  said 

346 


History  of  Monument. 

memorial,  the   Society  of  the   124111   Pennsylvania  Regimental   Association 
agrees  to  have  its  representative  inspect  same,  and  failure  to  do  so  within 
ten  days  shall  constitute  its  acceptance. 
(Signed), 

THE  VAN  AMRINGE  GRANITE  Co., 

SEAL  W.  B.  VAN  AMRINGE,  President. 

of   the  For  the  Van  Amringe  Co. 

Van  Amringe  (Signed), 

Granite  Co.  ROBERT  M.  GREEN, 

For  the  Society  of  the  I24th 
Pennsylvania   Regimental   Association. 

AFTER  THE  CONTRACT  WAS  SIGNED. 

At  the  request  of  Chairman  Green,  Mr.  Van  Amringe  consented 
to  let  the  Henry-Bonnard  Bronze  Co.,  of  New  York,  model  and 
cast  the  statue.  This  company  at  once  proceeded  with  the  work 
and  upon  information  that  the  clay  model  was  ready  for  inspection, 
Comrade  John  Pugh  and  Chairman  Green,  on  behalf  of  the  com 
mittee,  visited  the  studio  of  the  bronze  works  in  New  York. 
Upon  arrival  they  were  informed  that  Mr.  Van  Amringe  had 
preceded  them  and  had  given  the  sculptor  positive  orders  that  any 
changes  that  the  committee  might  recommend  were  to  be  adopted. 
Several  pleasant  hours  were  spent  with  the  genial  manager,  Mr. 
W.  F.  Aucaigne,  who  graciously  asquiesced  in  making  numerous 
changes  (in  the  uniform  and  accoutrements)  that  the  committee 
suggested. 

The  same  two  members  of  the  committee  visited  the  studio 
on  several  subsequent  occasions,  and  when  the  model  was  trans 
ferred  to  plaster  of  paris,  they  accepted  the  design  and  had  it 
photographed,  and  the  picture  on  another  page  is  an  exact 
reproduction. 

The  Philadelphia  Public  Ledger,  learning  of  the  model,  sent 
its  representative  to  New  York,  and,  in  its  Sunday  edition, 
published  an  illustration  of  it,  with  the  following  comments : 

"The  soldier  lad  with  grounded  musket  has  been  modeled  for  the  1241  h 
Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  and  will  be  unveiled  this  summer  on  the  field  of 
Antietam  to  commemorate  an  engagement  on  the  spot  during  the  famous 
battle  of  the  Civil  War.  It  is  called  'At  Ease  Rest.'  The  sculptor,  in 
accordance  with  the  wishes  of  the  veterans  of  the  regiment,  has  followed 
faithfully  the  uniform  and  accoutrements  of  the  winter  campaign  when 
they  were  in  service,  and,  in  the  handsome  face,  he  has  presented  a  fine  type 

347 


I'lioto  l>y  Louis  G.   Green.  Sculptor.,  Pierre  Feitu. 

STATUE  OF  MONUMENT  01-  THE  I24TH. 


Description  of  Monument. 

of  Young  America.  There  is  much  more  life  to  this  soldier  than  one 
finds  in  the  ordinary  'boys  in  blue'  surmounting  the  war  monuments  of  a 
thousand  towns  and  villages, — 'boys  in  bine'  turned  out  by  the  hundreds 
in  all  sorts  of  materials — marble,  granite,  limestone,  bronxe,  spelter  and 
lead.  May  new  monument  committees  come  into  being  and  replace  these 
machine-made  soldiers  with  figures  in  which  the  imagination  and  person 
ality  of  a  real  sculptor  can  display  themselves." 

DESCRIPTION*  OF  MONUMENT 


OXE  HTXDREl)  AXD  TWENTY-FOURTH 
PENNSYLVANIA    YOLUNTEERS. 


ft 


The  pedestal  is  of  Westerly 
granite,  eleven  feet  seven  inches 
high,  in  six  courses,  each  course 
consisting  of  a  single  stone,  the 
base  being  nine  by  nine  feet,  six 
teen  inches  thick  and  weighing 
betwen  nine  and  ten  tons. 

( )n  the  third  course  from  bot 
tom  are  four  gables ;  in  the  one 
facing  Starke  Avenue,  a  bronze 
plate  with  the  Pennsylvania  Coat 
of  Arms  is  inserted  ;  on  the  one 
facing  Hagerstown  I 'ike  is  en 
graved  : 


It  \vas  near  this  spot 

that  the  regiment 

within  six  weeks 

after  leaving  home 

took  an  active  part 

in  this  great  struggle. 

( )n  opposite  side  is  engraved  : 

Recruited  in 
Chester  and  Delaware  Counties 

August,  1862. 
For  nine  months'  service. 


349 


Description  of  Monument. 
And  on  the  one  in  rear  is  engraved : 

Casualties 
At  Antietam 
Killed     5 
Wounded  42 
Missing  17 

In  the  body  of  the  shaft,  four  bronze  plates,  eighteen  inches  in 
diameter  are  inserted.  A  copy  of  the  one  on  the  left  face  is  shown 
herewith. 


SEPT.  17  «862 

ANWETAM 

CHANCELLORSVILLE 

MAY  123    1863 


The  one  in  front  has  on  it  in  raised  letters : 

1 24th 

Pennsylvania 
Volunteer 
Infantry. 

The  one  on  right  face  having  on  it : 
ist   Brigade 
ist  Division 
1 2th    Corps. 

The  one  on  rear  face  having  on  it : 

Erected  by 
State  of  Pennsylvania 

and 
Survivor's  Association 

1904. 

Colonel  Hawley's  name  is  engraved  on  front  of  fourth  course 
from  bottom,  and  the  badge  of  the  Twelfth  Corps,  a  star,  is  cut 
raised  on  the  upper  course  on  front. 

350 


Description  of  Monument. 

The  bronze  base  of  the  statue  is  28  x  28  x  4  inches  and  the 
height  of  the  statue  is  8  feet  4  inches  to  top  of  cap.  It  is  made 
of  Government  Standard  bronze  and  weighs  more  than  2,500 
pounds.  The  uniform  and  equipments  are  a  correct  representation 
of  those  worn  by  the  regiment  during  its  winter  campaign,  and 
the  object  of  the  committee  in  making  such  selection  was  that 
they  might  be  preserved  as  a  matter  of  history. 

The  chairman  of  the  committee  received  many  flattering  com 
ments  on  the  beautiful  proportions  of  the  monument,  but  it  must 
be  seen  to  be  properly  appreciated. 

The  Antietam  Battlefield  Memorial  Commission,  in  its  report 
to  the  Hon.  Samuel  W.  Pennypacker,  Governor  of  Pennsylvania, 
pays  the  following  tribute  to 

THE;  MONUMENT  OF  THE  124TH. 

"An  8-foot  bronze  statue  of  a  volunteer  infantryman  of  '61  to  '65,  in  full 
uniform  and  with  fixed  bayonet,  represents  the  I24th  Infantry  Regiment. 
Heavy  top-coat  and  cape,  full  regulation  equipment,  even  to  the  detail  of 
the  familiar  tin-cup,  is  accurately  shown  in  this  statue,  and  the  composition 
and  carefully  worked  out  details  reflect  great  credit  on  the  artist,  Mr. 
Pierre  Feitu,  a  French  sculptor  of  wide  reputation  in  his  own  country, 
France. 

"The  pedestal  of  this  memorial  is  of  Westerly,  R.  I.,  granite,  the  only 
pedestal  of  the  thirteen  not  composed  of  the  Barre,  Vt.,  granite.  This 
pedestal  has  six  stones  in  its  makeup,  three  bases,  a  plinth,  die  and  cap. 

"The  bases  and  die  stone  are  rough  quarry,  faced  with  hammered 
margins,  while  the  plinth  and  cap  stones  are  fine  hammered.  This  contrast 
of  surfaces  of  granite  in  this  particular  pedestal  affords  a  most  striking 
and  effective  contrast,  and  with  its  size,  9  feet  square  at  base,  and  n  feet  7 
inches  high,  together  with  an  8-foot  4-inch  bronze  statue,  making  a  total 
height  of  19  feet  n  inches,  makes  it  the  most  imposing  regimental 
memorial  on  the  Antietam  fields." 

[NoTE — The  historian  takes  great  pleasure  in  saying  that  of 
the  thirteen  designs  for  monuments  and  inscriptions  submitted 
to  the  War  Department  at  Washington  for  approval,  that  of  the 
124th  was  the  only  one  of  the  thirteen  in  which  no  changes  were 
made.  This  should  be  satisfactory  evidence  of  the  good  judgment 
exercised  by  the  committee  in  the  work  assigned  them,  and  it 
ought  to  prove  very  gratifying  to  the  members  and  friends  of  the 
regiment  who  contributed  to  the  erection  of  the  monument.] 


35i 


PREPARING  FOR  EXCURSION"  TO  DEDICATE 
MONUMENT. 

In  the  latter  part  of  May,  1904,  Chairman  Green  was  assured 
by  the  president  of  the  Van  Amringe  Company  that  the  monu 
ment  of  the  124th  would  be  completed  in  time  to  be  dedicated 
on  the  i /th  of  September.  Acting  on  this  assurance,  Comrade 
John  Pugh,  of  Conshohocken,  and  Chairman  Green  proceeded  to 
Sharpsburg  ( arriving-  there  at  one  o'clock  in  the  morning)  to 
ascertain  what  accommodations  were  available  for  excursionists 
who  would  take  part  in  the  dedication  ceremonies.  After  a 
canvass  of  the  town,  they  engaged  rooms  in  twenty-four  promi 
nent  private  houses;  sufficient  to  accommodate  two  hundred  per 
sons.  ]  Icing  the  first  of  the  regimental  associations  to  visit  the 
town  for  the  purpose,  desirable  rooms  were  secured  and  favorable 
rates  obtained. 


THE  TRIP  TO  ANTIETAM 
TO   ATTEND   DEDICATION    OF    MONUMENT 

Was  by  special  train  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad,  leaving 
Uroad  Street  Station,  Philadelphia,  at  9. 15  A.  M.,  September  i6th, 
stopping  at  Paoli,  Frazer,  Downingtown,  Coatesville,  Lancaster 
and  Hagerstown,  arriving  at  Antietam  Station  at  4.15  P.  M. 

The  excursionists  numbered  more  than  200,  and  Robert  M. 
Green,  chairman  of  the  Executive  Committee,  was  in  charge. 
The  trip  was  an  enjoyable  one  and  upon  arrival  at  station,  car 
riages  were  in  waiting  to  convey  the  members  to  Sharpsburg; 
each  had  been  furnished  with  a  ticket  and  the  name  of  the  house 
to  which  they  were  assigned,  and  in  a  few  minutes  after  arrival 
at  the  village,  all  were  comfortably  provided  for.  The  carriages 
to  meet  the  train  had  been  engaged  by  Comrade  Joel  Hollings- 
worth  and  Robert  M.  Green,  Jr.,  they  having  gone  to  Sharpsburg 
on  the  preceding  day  for  that  purpose. 

The  souvenir  badges  that  had  been  prepared  by  the  chairman 
and  distributed  to  the  excursionists  on  the  train,  consisted  of 
white  satin  ribbon,  three  inches  wide  and  six  inches  long,  con 
taining  two  crossed  flags  in  colors  and  embossed,  and  the  words— 
"20th  Annual  Reunion,  I24th  P.  V.  Association."  Attached  to 
the  top  of  the  badge  was  a  medallion,  with  a  picture  of  the  monu 
ment,  and  the  words,  "Dedication  of  Monument  at  Antietam. 
September  17,  1904." 

352 


PROGRAMME  OF  SERVICES 


Pennsylvania    Day 

ANTIETAM,  ::         ::         ::         MARYLAND 


Saturday,     September    I7th,     1904 


124th    SURVIVORS'   ASSOCIATION 


of  Bxercises 

The  Monument  of  the  I24th  will  be  dedicated  and  unveiled  at  9.30  A.  M. 

The  Ceremonies  will  take  place  at  the  site  of  the  Monument 

on  Starke  Avenue  and  Hagerstown  Pike,  near 

the  Dunker  Church. 


JOSEPH  W.  HAWLEY,  Colonel  of  the  I24th,  and  President  of 
Survivors'   Association,    Presiding. 

PRAYER— REV.  JOSEPH  S.  EVANS, 

Chaplain  of  the  I24th. 

ADDRESS — ROBERT  M.   GREEN,  Chairman  of   Monument   Committee  and 

Vice-President  of  Survivors'  Association. 

UNVEILING— MRS.  J.  M.  THOMPSON, 

Daughter  of  Col.  Joseph  W.  Hawley. 

"AMERICA'' — Singing  by  Audience. 
PHOTOGRAPH— Survivors  of  Regiment. 


CAMP  FIRE  and  BUSINESS  MEETING  of  Association  on  Saturday  evening. 
Time  and  place  to  be  announced  at  Dedication  of  Monument. 


ANTIETAM  BATTLEFIELD  COMMISSION  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 
JOSEPH  W.  HAWLEY,  I24th  Regiment,  President: 
OLIVER  C.  BOSBYSHELL,  48th  Regiment,  Secretary, 
WILLIAM  J.  BOLTON.  5ist  Regiment. 

23  353 


DEDICATION  CEREMONIES. 

The  thirteen  monuments  were  dedicated  between  the  hours  of 
nine  and  twelve,  each  regimental  association  holding  its  own 
exercises. 

DEDICATION  OF  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FOURTH. 

The  dedication  of  the  I24th  attracted  the  largest  number; 
nearly  one  thousand  persons  congregated  about  the  shaft,  which 
was  veiled  with  two  large  American  flags.  The  occasion  was 
honored  by  the  presence  of  Governor  Pennypacker  and  staff,  the 
Antietam  Battlefield  Commission  of  Pennsylvania  and  other  dis 
tinguished  visitors.  Joseph  \Y.  Hawley,  Colonel  of  the  regiment 
and  president  of  the  Survivor's  Association,  presided. 

Rev.  Joseph  S.  Evans,  of  West  Chester,  Pa.,  former  chaplain 
of  the  regiment,  offered  prayer  as  follows : 

"Eternal  and  Ever-Blessed  God :  We  approach  the  throne  of  grace, 
this  day,  with  feelings  of  deep  gratitude  and  thanksgiving.  As  we  stand 
upon  this  hallowed  ground,  we  come  with  vivid  memories  of  Thy  good 
ness  to  us  in  the  past. 

"We  gratefully  praise  Thy  holy  name  that  we  can  ascribe  to  Thy  pro 
tecting  care,  our  preservation  from  the  shafts  of  death,  on  the  dark  day  of 
the  fierce  battle's  strife,  when  numbers  of  our  comrades  gave  their  life 
blood  that  our  glorious  Nation  might  live.  We  praise  Thy  name  that  the 
sacrifice  was  not  in  vain.  We  praise  Thee  for  the  sweet,  blessed  peaceful 
ness  of  our  surroundings  this  day.  We  thank  Thee  for  the  joy  that 
thrills  our  hearts  as  we  gaze  upon  our  beautiful  flag,  the  emblem  of  peace 
throughout  this  great  Nation  and  the  wonder  and  admiration  of  the 
nations  of  the  world. 

"We  beseech  Thee.  O  God,  to  bless  and  keep  this  great  Nation  in  the 
hollow  of  Thy  hand.  Rule  and  overrule  in  all  that  pertains  to  the  peace 
and  welfare  of  the  people.  Be  pleased  to  guide  by  Thine  unerring 
wisdom,  those  who  make  and  those  who  administer  our  laws,  that  peace 
and  prosperity  may  be  the  portion  of  this  Nation  in  all  the  future. 

"And  now  we  come  with  tender  memories  of  the  past  to  invoke  Thy 
special  blessing  upon  us,  as  we  dedicate  this  monument  to  the  memory 
and  honor  of  those  of  our  comrades  whose  life  blood  stained  the  hal 
lowed  ground  upon  which  we  stand ;  to  the  memory  of  those  who  have 
been  mustered  out  of  our  ranks  by  the  silent  messenger  during  the  years 
that  have  intervened  since  the  days  of  our  struggle  for  right  against 

354 


Address,  Col.  Jos.  W .  Haivlcy. 

wrong  on  this  field,  and  whose  bodies  repose  beneath  the  hallowed  ground 
made  sacred  by  their  lives  Bless  us  as  we  dedicate  it  to  our  beloved 
State  of  Pennsylvania  and  to  our  great  Nation  as  a  token  of  the  patriotism 
of  those  that  went  forth  in  the  I24th  Regiment,  to  die,  if  need  be,  that 
our  glorious  flag  might  be  kept  unsullied  and  our  country  undivided.  May 
this  monument  prove  to  future  generations  that  the  sacrifice  has  not  been 
in  vain. 

"And  now,  God  of  all  grace  and  goodness,  accept  our  heartfelt  grati 
tude  and  praise  for  Thy  loving  care  over  us;for  this  day  and  tlvs  hour; 
for  this  gathering. 

"Still  be  our  God  and  the  God  of  our  Nation,  and  when  our  service  here 
is  finished,  and  we  are  all  mustered  out  of  the  ranks  of  the  I2_ith  Regi 
ment,  may  we  all  be  found  enlisted  under  the  glorious  banner  of  Thy 
dear  Son,  our  Lord  and  Saviour,  Jesus  Christ. 

"We  ask  it  in  His  name. 

"May  grace,  mercy  and  peace  from  God  the  Father,  Son  and  Holy 
Spirit,  go  with  us  and  abide  with  us  forevermore.  Amen." 

At  the  conclusion  of  the  prayer  Colonel  Hawley  spoke  as 
follows : 

"As  President  of  the  I24th  Regiment  Association,  it  seems  proper  that 
I  should  say  a  few  words  before  passing  this  monument  over  to  the  State 
authorities,  not.  however,  giving  you  a  history  of  the  services  of  the 
Regiment,  as  that  will  be  done  by  others,  but  merely  to  say  a  few  words 
of  congratulation  that  we  have  been  able,  with  the  $2,500  appropriated  by 
the  State  of  Pennsylvania,  and  the  generous  contributions  by  members  of 
the  regiment  and  kind  friends  to  erect  such  a  magnificent  monument  to 
commemorate  the  services  of  our  comrades  as  the  one  we  are  no\v 
dedicating. 

"Forty-two  years  have  elapsed  since  we  clashed  arms  on  this  ground, 
and  only  a  remnant  of  that  regiment  of  young  men  are  living  to-day,  and 
it  becomes  our  pleasant  duty  to  dedicate  this  memorial  in  the  name  of  all 
who  took  part  in  that  great  struggle. 

"I  have  had  many  pleasant  messages  from  our  comrades,  who,  on 
account  of  infirmity  or  other  unavoidable  circumstances,  could  not  be  with 
us  on  this  happy  occasion,  and  they  all  send  congratulations  to  this 
Association,  that  we  have  accomplished  our  desires  as  expressed  at  our 
many  reunions,  and  that  the  monument  of  the  I24th  Regiment  is  an  accom 
plished  fact. 

"I  now  take  pleasure  in  introducing  to  you  as  orator  of  the  clay.  Com 
rade  Robert  M.  Green,  of  Philadelphia,  chairman  of  the  committee  for  the 
erection  of  the  monument,  and  vice-president  of  the  Survivors' 
Association." 


355 


ADDRESS  OF  ROBERT  M.  GREEN. 

"Governor  Pennypacker  and  Staff,  Comrades  and  Friends  of  the  I24th: 
Unfortunate  is  said  to  be  the  nation  that  does  not  mourn  over  the  tombs 
of  its  defenders,  or  in  some  way  manifest  its  remembrance  of  the  lives 
and  deeds  of  its  heroes.  The  placing  of  flags  and  flowers  upon  the  graves 
of  our  comrades  on  Memorial  Day  is  symbolic  of  our  Nation  mourning, 
and  the  monuments  that  have  been  erected  upon  this  and  other  battle 
fields  throughout  our  land  are  emblematic  of  our  Nation's  gratitude  to 
its  heroes.  If  our  Nation  were  to  erect  a  granite  shaft  or  bronze  statue  to 
perpetuate  the  memory  of  the  deeds  of  each  and  every  one  who  gave  his 
life  in  its  defense,  it  would  never  want  for  patriots  in  its  time  of  need. 

"A  few  years  ago  I  stood  on  the  old  stone  bridge  at  Concord,  Mass., 
and  1  saw  there  the  monument  that  had  been  erected  to  the  memrry  of 
the  Minute  Men,  who.  on  the  first  day  of  the  American  Revolution, 
checked  the  march  of  the  British  soldiers  from  Boston.  On  that  monu 
ment  was  this  inscription  : 

"'I'x    the   rude   bridge   that   arched   the   flood, 

Their  flag  to  April's  breeze    unfurled, 
Here,  once  the  embattled   farmers   stood, 
And   fired  the  shot  heard  round  the  world.' 

"One  hundred  and  thirty  years  have  passed  since  those  farmers  left  their 
plows  in  the  furrows  to  fire  that  shot,  but  from  that  day  until  the  present 
the  echoes  of  it  have  reverberated  from  every  hilltop,  throughout  every 
valley,  and  in  every  hamlet  upon  the  face  of  the  globe  where  liberty- 
loving  men  are  found.  From  the  day  that  shot  was  fired  until  the  present, 
each  and  every  monument  that  has  been  erected  to  commemorate  the 
valor,  the  patriotism,  the  loyalty  of  an  American  soldier  or  sailor,  has 
constituted  a  bulwark  upon  which  those  echoes  will  continue  to  resound, 
so  long  as  the  love  of  liberty  burns  within  the  human  breast. 

"Comrades,  forty  and  two  years  ago  to-day  you  were  here,  face  to  face 
with  all  the  horrors  of  war,  an  armed  foe  ruled  by  the  mad  passions  of 
hate  was  in  front  of  you,  the  glitter  of  bayonets,  the  rattle  of  musketry, 
the  roar  of  cannon,  the  shriek  of  flying  shells,  the  groans  of  wounded  and 
dying,  and  upturned  faces  of  the  dead  (both  friends  and  enemies)  were 
all  around  you. 

"The  battle  of  Antietam  was,  in  some  respects,  the  greatest  and  most 
momentous  of  all  the  battles  of  the  Civil  War;  the  Union  loss  in  killed 
and  wounded,  within  the  sound  of  a  gun  shot  from  this  spot,  is  said  to 
have  been  greater  in  that  one  da}'  than  in  any  two  days  of  any  other  battle 
ever  fought  upon  the  American  continent ;  and  Horace  Greeley  said  that, 
'When  the  sun  set  on  the  I7th  of  September,  1862,  it  shut  from  sight  the 
bloodiest  day  in  American  history.' 

"I  will  not  attempt  to  describe  the  part  the  I24th  and  other  Pennsylvania 
commands  took  in  that  great  conflict.  One  more  capable  than  I  has  been 
Delected  for  that  purpose,  and  I  advise  you  to  attend  the  general  dedica- 

356 


Address,  Robert  M.  Green 

tion  services  in  the  National  Cemetery  this  afternoon  to  hear  him.  When 
you  were  ordered  into  that  battle  yon  were  new  recruits,  untrained  in  the 
arts  of  war;  in  front  of  you  was  the  left  wing  of  the  army  of  the  South, 
composed  of  veterans  of  many  battles.  Less  than  five  weeks  had  elapsed 
since  you  left  your  peaceful  homes,  and  much  of  that  time  had  been  spent 
in  marching,  so  that  little  opportunity  had  been  given  you  for  drilling, 
and  you  scarcely  knew  the  company  commands.  With  your  colonel 
wounded  early  in  the  battle,  and  your  officers  knowing  but  little  more  of 
military  movements  than  you  yourselves  knew,  you  were  expected  to  do 
the  work  of  veterans  in  assisting  to  prevent  the  right  Hank  of  our  army 
from  being  turned.  That  you  acted  the  part  of  brave  men  and  won  for 
yourselves  an  imperishable  record  of  glory  is  evidenced  by  the  fact  that 
General  McClellan  made  favorable  mention  of  the  regiment  in  his  report 
lo  the  War  Department,  and  that  the  histories  of  the  South  record  your 
bravery. 

''But,  comrades,  what  a  change  in  your  ranks  since  that  day  forty-two 
years  ago ;  when  you  went  into  battle  almost  one  thousand  strong  and 
were  in  the  full  vigor  and  strength  of  young  manhood,  filled  with  the 
ambitions  of  youth ;  your  steps  elastic  and  your  eyes  undimmed  ;  but  now 
your  lives  are  behind  you,  the  shadows  have  grown  longer,  the  infirmities  of 
age  are  fast  coming  upon  you,  the  evening  is  setting  across  the  valleys,  and 
a  majority  of  our  comrades  have  crossed  the  river  to  answer  the  final  roll- 
call  on  the  other  shore.  But,  as  we  stand  here  to-day  upon  this  sacred 
spot  and  look  backward,  we  cannot  fail  to  realize  the  marvelous  growth  of 
our  Nation  during  the  years  that  have  intervened,  and  glancing  back 
ward,  catching  an  inspiration  from  the  past,  \ve  look  forward  with  the 
eye  of  faith  to  the  time  when  in  grandeur  and  glory,  it  will  eclipse  all  the 
nations  of  the  earth. 

"It  is  sometimes  said  by  the  older  nations  that  we  are  a  country  without 
a  history,  but  I  claim  that  we  have  a  history  more  remarkable  than  was 
ever  before  recorded  of  any  other  nation.  When  we  take  into  considera 
tion  the  great  underlying  principles  upon  which  our  Government  was 
established,  it  stands  unique  among  the  countries  of  the  world.  Founded 
as  it  was  upon  the  basis  of  human  liberty  and  equal  rights  to  all,  there 
were  none  others  to  copy  from.  Founded  as  it  was  upon  principles  never 
before  adopted  by  any  other  nation,  it  did  not  even  enter  into  rivalry  with 
the  institutions  of  other  lands,  and  so  firmly  did  our  forefathers  estab 
lish  its  foundations,  and  so  wisely  and  carefully  have  their  descendants 
continued,  to  erect  the  structure,  that  to-day  the  voice  of  the  United  States 
is  heard  and  listened  to  in  the  consideration  of  every  question  in  which 
the  civilized  nations  of  the  globe  are  interested. 

"It  has  been  your  privilege  and  mine  to  live  in  a  period  of  time  not 
only  the  greatest  in  the  history  of  our  own  Nation,  but  in  many  respects 
the  greatest  in  the  history  of  the  world;  we  have  seen  our  country  grow 
and  develop  from  an  experiment,  as  it  were,  to  that  of  a  power  fearing 
none,  but  feared  and  respected  by  all,  and  respected  because  it  is  feared. 

357 


Address,  Robert  M.  Green. 

When  you  and  I  were  young,  the  term  "frontier"  was  applied  to  all  that 
part  of  it  west  of  the  Mississippi,  but  to-day  it  has  no  frontier;  a  new 
power  has  been  given  to  it,  welded  by  the  blood  of  four  hundred  thousand 
of  its  loyal  sons,  and  its  possible  dominion  and  influence  is  as  wide  as  the 
world  and  as  universal  as  the  atmosphere. 

"The  world  is  to  be  congratulated  that  this  new  birth  (as  it  were)  has 
been  given  to  us,  and  mankind  cannot  comprehend  the  great  part  this 
Nation  is  destined  to  fulfill  in  the  uplifting  of  humanity;  and,  let  me  say 
to  you  that  what  you  and  your  comrades  did  from  1861  to  1865,  so  changed 
conditions  as  to  make  this  new  birth  possible.  In  my  opinion,  the  transi 
tion  period  wherein  we  passed  from  an  almost  unrecognized  force  among 
nations  to  that  of  world-wide  power  and  influence,  was  the  period  em 
braced  by  the  Civil  War,  and  the  work  that  you  and  your  comrades  did 
has  been  instrumental  in  placing  our  flag  upon  the  highest  peak  of  the 
mountain  range  of  nations,  there  to  float  as  the  emblem  of  a  power  that 
commands  the  respect  of  all  mankind,  so  that  under  its  folds  every 
citizen,  even  to  the  humblest  toiler,  shall  have-  protection  throughout  the 
whole  world. 

"President  Roosevelt,  in  his  letter  of  acceptance  of  a  few  days  ago, 
paid  a  worthy  tribute  when  he  said :  'The  man  who  fought  for  Union  and 
for  liberty  in  the  years  from  1861  to  1865,  not  only  saved  this  Nation  from 
ruin,  but  rendered  an  inestimable  service  to  all  mankind.  We  of  the 
United  States  owe  the  fact  that  to-day  we  have  a  country  to  what  they 
did." 

"Now,  comrades,  I  know  you  are  anxious  to  see  your  monument,  but 
before  we  unveil  it,  let  us  for  a  few  moments  forget  the  present  and 
permit  our  thoughts  to  go  back,  and  live  over  again  in  memory  the  sacred 
events  of  our  army  life.  As  we  go  back  to  the  scenes  of  '61  to  '65,  we 
hear  again  the  stirring  music  of  fife  and  drum,  we  see  the  great 
assemblages  of  people  and  listen  to  the  patriotic  addresses  of  orators  as 
they  plead  for  volunteers,  we  see  our  young  friends  as  they  boldly  step 
forth  from  the  crowd  and  enroll  their  names  for  enlistment;  we  see  them 
as  they  stand  with  uplifted  hand  and  take  the  oath  of  allegiance  to  support 
the  Government ;  we  see  them  as  they  part  from  those  they  love,  some 
receiving  the  blessings  of  fathers,  some  parting  with  mothers  who  hold 
them  to  their  breast  and  cannot  speak  for  weeping,  some  bending  over 
cradles  and  kissing  babes  that  are  asleep,  some  bidding  farewell  to  wives 
and  sweethearts  and  striving  with  brave  words  to  drive  the  awful 
sorrow  from  their  hearts ;  we  see  them  as  they  start  away  with  waving 
banners,  tryirg  to  keep  step  to  the  martial  music  of  war. 

"As  we  follow  them,  we  see  them  on  their  weary  marches  through  sun 
shine  and  rain,  through  dust  and  mud,  sleeping  upon  the  bare  ground  with 
no  covering  but  the  bending  sky.  We  see  them  as  they  stand  guard  under 
the  summer's  sun  and  in  the  cold  winter's  storm.  We  see  them  in  the 
hospitals  maimed  and  crippled,  burning  with  fever,  we  see  them  in  prison 
pens  enduring  agonies  that  cannot  be  described,  we  see  them  upon  the 

358 


Address,  Robert  M.  Green. 

decks  of  our  men-of-war  and  upon  bloody  battlefields  (such  as  this  was), 
torn  with  shot  and  shell,  wiM  with  thirst,  and  as  their  brave  lives  ebb 
away,  we  see  their  eyes  open,  and  stooping  to  listen,  we  hear  them  say, 
'Comrade,  write  and  tell  them  I  died  for  my  country,'  and  as  the  gray 
pallor  of  death  settles  over  their  faces  we  see  their  lips  move,  and,  stooping 
again,  we  hear  them  with  their  last  expiring  breath  asking  heaven  to 
bless  and  comfort  their  loved  ones  at  home. 

"Can  we  forget  the  scenes  I  have  described?  Are  they  not  indelibly 
written  upon  the  pages  of  our  memory,  there  to  remain  so  long  as  memory 
remains  with  us? 

"Now,  our  main  object  in  assembling  here  to-day  is  to  dedicate  this 
monument  that  kind  friends  and  a  grateful  Commonwealth  have  assisted 
in  erecting.  It  is  made  of  granite  and  bronze  that  will  for  ages  to  come 
resist  the  elements  of  nature,  and  long  after  you  and  I  have  passed  to  the 
great  beyond,  it  will  remain  as  a  reminder  to  future  generations  of  the 
dark  hours ;  of  the  terrible  conflict ;  of  the  great  contest  that  you  here 
participated  in,  and  in  which  so  many  of  our  young  comrades  shed  their 
blood  for  the  life  of  the  Nation.  As  we  stand  here  to-day  in  its  presence, 
and  look  back  through  the  years  that  have  passed,  our  hearts  are  filled 
with  emotion  as  we  sigh  for  the  touch  of  vanished  hands  and  for  the 
sound  of  voices  that  are  still,  and  to  the  memory  of  our  departed  com 
rades,  and  in  honor  of  the  glorious  record  of  the  I24th,  I  now  dedicate  it, 
and,  on  behalf  of  the  committee,  present  it  to  you." 

As  Comrade  Green  ceased  speaking,  Mrs.  Justice  M.  Thompson, 
of  Media  (daughter  of  Colonel  Hawley),  assisted  by  Robert  M. 
Green,  Jr.,  of  Philadelphia,  pulled  the  cord  that  bound  together 
the  flags,  and  they,  falling  apart,  displayed  the  beautiful  shaft  to 
the  assemblage.  When  the  cheering  had  ceased,  and  the  audience 
had  sung  the  National  anthem,  "America,"  the  survivors  of  the 
regiment  assembled  around  the  monument,  and  were  photo 
graphed  by  Mr.  W.  H.  Tipton,  of  Gettysburg,  after  which  a 
photograph  of  all  the  excursionists  was  taken. 

This  concluded  the  ceremonies,  and  it  is  but  just  to  say  that 
the  oration  of  Comrade  Green  was  listened  to  with  close  attention, 
and  during  its  recital  many  of  the  old  veterans  shed  tears  as  he 
related  the  reminiscences  of  the  army  days  of  1861  to  1865. 


359 


ROBERT   M.   GREHX. 


1862. 


Son  of  Peter  Wickersham  and 
Rachel  McCay  Careen,  was  born  in 
Chichester  Township,  Delaware 
County,  Pennsylvania,  March  26, 
1842.  His  early  life  was  spent  on  a 
farm  in  Chester  Township  adjoining 
the  village  of  Upland.  When  seven 
teen  years  of  age,  he  engaged  with 
William  Gamble,  of  Brandy  wine 
Summit,  as  an  apprentice  to  learn  the 
carpenter  trade,  and  a  few  mouths 
prior  to  the  expiration  of  his  term 
enlisted  in  Company  H,  of  the  T24th. 
Shortly  after  enlistment  he  was  prostrated  by  typhoid  fever, 
and  after  spending  four  months  in  hospitals,  was  discharged  for 
disability. 

t'pon  restoration  to  health,  he  located  in  Chester,  and  engaged 
in  building.  When  the  call  was  issued  for  volunteers  to  serve 
during  the  emergency  of  1863,  he  enlisted  as  corporal  of  Company 
A,  Thirty-seventh  Pennsylvania  Militia,  and  served  with  it  until 
the  regiment  was  discharged. 

May  27,  1869,  he  married  Miss  Louisa  B.  Gelston,  of  Chester. 
Jn  18/4  he  moved  to  Philadelphia,  and  engaged  in  the  manufac 
ture  of  soda  water  apparatus,  and  at  this  writing  his  four  sons 
are  associated  with  him. 

In  1894,  was  elected  commander  of  George  G.  Meade  Post, 
Xo.  i,  Department  of  Pennsylvania,  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic. 
In  1902,  was  elected  treasurer  of  the  monument  fund,  and  vice- 
president  of  the  I24th  Regimental  Association,  to  succeed  the 
late  Colonel  Benjamin  Brooke.  In  1903,  was  appointed  chairman 
of  the  committee  to  prepare  plans  and  superintend  the  erection 
of  the  regimental  monument  at  Antietam. 

On  September  4,  1905,  was  severely  injured  in  a  collision  of 
railroad  trains  near  Denver,  Colorado. 

He  is  a  member  of  the  Masonic  Fraternity,  of  the  Union 
League,  of  Philadelphia,  and  of  the  Pennsylvania  Society  of  the 
Sons  of  the  Revolution. 


360 


1904. 


VICE-PRESIDENT     124TH    REGIMENTAL    ASSOCIATION. 

CHAIRMAN    AND    TREASURER    MONUMENT    COMMITTEE. 

HISTORIAN    OF   THESE    RECORDS. 


• 


The  survivors  of  the  regiment  present  at  dedication  were 


Col.  Joseph   YV.    Hawlev 
Chaplain  Joseph   S.   Evans 

COMPANY    A. 

Hi'rmon  G.  Bond 
John  T.  Chambers 
George  W.  Tyson 
Edward  G.  Davis 
John  M.  Windle 
David  S.  Wilkinson 

COMPANY'  B. 
Gco.  W.  Ayres 

COMPANY  C. 
David  E.  Kirk 
Joseph  M.   Showalter 

COMPANY    1). 
J.   Frank    Black 
Edward  B.  Green 
John   L.   Grim 
Benjamin  T.  Green 
John    1).    Howard 
Joel    Hdllingsworth 

COMPANY-    E. 
William    1 1.    Burns 
blias  W.  Copeland 
Ezekiel  R.  Griffith 
William  11.   Hanna 
Edw.   T.   Harlan 
S.   S.   Johnson 
Charles  H.   Kit/chnan 
William  fiercer 
Oliver  R.  Patterson 
William  H.  Rumer 
Frazer  S.  Patterson 
David  E.  Townsend 
George  M.  Thomson 
Jos.   H.   Brensinger 
Charles  W.  Broadhent 
William   Henry 
Thomas  H.  Kay 
Edward   D.    Si  pier 
Edw.   Worrall 
John  J.  Wilkinson 
John    Fryer 
William  A.  Dobbins 
William  Major 
John  Major 
William  T.  Innes 


Charles  Moore 
George  D.    Miller 
James    Newsome 
I  Icnry  S.  Paulding 
John   Pugh 
B.   Frank   Thomas 
Charles  W.  Watkins 
Htnry  C.   Warburton 
Pennell   Stackhouse 
Samuel  J.  Thompson 
Franklin  Frame 
Fred.  T.  Ingram 

COMPANY  F. 
Mifflin  W.   Bailey 
John  S.  Baldwin 
Peter    Gamble 
Caleb  S.  James 
George  R.  Maxton 
].    Walton    Martin 
Joseph  W.   Martin 
Townsend  A.  Mercer 
Wm.  W.  Potts 

COMPANY   G. 
Wilmer    Wood 
Wayne   M.    Bishop 
Lorenzo    I).    Farra 
Ellis    W.    Ford 

COMPANY  H. 
Joseph   L.   Armcnt: 
Charles  Bonsall 
Robert   M.   Green 
James  C.  Hinkson 
Samuel  F.  Heacock 
Benjamin  F.  Hirst 
John  Standring 
William   T.    Shoemaker 
William  Trainer,  Jr. 

COMPANY   I. 
S.   Frank  Pennell 

COMPANY  K. 
Enos  C.  Baker 
James  F.  Cunningham 
George  L.  Osbornc 
B.   Frank  Sharp 
George  W.  Channell 
William  D.  Wilkinson 
William  S.  Miller 
365 


ORDER  OF  EXERCISES. 

The  following  is  a  copy  of  program  issued  by  the  Battlefield 
Commission  for  the  transfer  of  monuments  to  the  United  States 
Government. 

PENNSYLVANIA  DAY 
ANTIETAM,   MARYLAND. 

Saturday,  September  17,  1904. 

Transfer  of  the  Monuments  to  the  United  States  Government 

In  the  National  Cemetery,  Sharpsburg,  at  2  o'clock  P.  M. 

JOSEPH  W.  HAWLEY,  late  Colonel  I24th  Regiment 

Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  Presiding. 

MUSIC— "The    American    Overture" E.    Catlin 

Carlisle  Indian  Industrial  School  Band. 

PRAYER— Rev.  Samuel  A.  Holman,  D.D. 

Late  Chaplain  48th  Pennsylvania  Volunteers. 

MUSIC— "Star   Spangled  Banner" 

Carlisle  Indian  Industrial  School  Band. 

TRANSFER   OF   THE   MONUMENTS    TO   THE   GOVERNOR   OF 

PENNSYLVANIA. 

Colonel  Joseph  W.  Hawley,  President  of  the  Commission. 
ACCEPTANCE  OF  SAME  AND  TRANSFER  TO   THE  GOVERN 
MENT  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 
Hon.  Samuel  W.  Pennypacker,  Governor  of  Pennsylvania. 

RECEIPT  ON  BEHALF  OF  THE  PRESIDENT  OF  THE 

UNITED  STATES. 
General  Robert  Shaw  Oliver,  Acting  Secretary  of  War. 

MUSIC— Grand   Selection  of  War  Songs Ed  Beyer 

Carlisle  Indian  Industrial  School  Band. 

ADDRESS 

"PENNSYLVANIA  AT  ANTIETAM." 

Rev.  John  Richards  Boyle,  D.D.,  Late  mth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers. 
MUSIC— "America."' 

Audience  led  by  the  Carlisle  Indian  Industrial   School  Band. 
BENEDICTION— Rev.  Joseph  S.  Evans, 

Late  Chaplain  i24th  Pennsylvania  Volunteers. 

Informal  Reception  by  the  Governor  of  Pennsylvania  and  Other 
Distinguished    Guests. 

ANTIETAM    BATTLEFIELD   COMMISSION   OF    PENNSYLVANIA. 

JOSEPH  W.  HAWLEY,  I24th  Regiment,  President. 
OLIVER  C.   BOSBYSHELL,  48th  Regiment,  Secretary. 
WILLIAM  J.  BOLTON,  sist  Regiment. 

366 


TRANSFER  OF  MONUMENTS. 

Colonel  Joseph  W.  Hawley,  chairman  of  the  Battlefield  Com 
mission,  in  transferring  the  monuments  to  Governor  Pennypacker, 
spoke  as  follows : 

Governor  of  Pennsylvania :  By  an  act  of  the  Legislature  of  the  State 
of  Pennsylvania,  approved  by  you  on  ihe  fourteenth  day  of  April,  1903,  you 
were  authorized  to  appoint  three  commissioners,  whose  duty  it  should  be 
to  erect  thirteen  monuments  on  the  battlefield  of  Antietam,  to  commem 
orate  the  valor  of  those  Pennsylvania  soldiers  who  took  part  in  that  battle, 
but  had  not  the  opportunity  to  participate  in  the  battle  of  Gettysburg,  and 
have  no  other  monuments  to  commemorate  their  services  on  any 
battlefield. 

The  honor  of  that  appointment  you  conferred  upon  General  W.  J. 
Bolton,  Colonel  Bosbyshell  and  myself. 

We  have  to  the  best  of  our  ability  faithfully  carried  out  the  object  of 
that  appointment,  and  have  erected  thirteen  monuments,  and  the  survivors 
of  the  various  regiments  to  whose  honor  these  monuments  have  been 
erected  have  this  day,  with  befitting  ceremonies,  dedicated  them,  and  we 
now  ask  you,  as  the  Governor  of  the  State  of  Pennsylvania,  to  accept  them 
in  the  name  of  the  State,  and  place  them  under  the  control  of  the  United 
States  authorities  for  their  future  care  and  protection. 

In  our  contracts  with  the  builders  we  restricted  ourselves  to  the  $2,500 
appropriated,  but  the  members  and  friends  of  the  Forty-eighth  and  I24th 
Regiments,  by  liberal  contributions,  enabled  them  to  add  to  the  $2,500 
appropriated  by  the  State,  the  Forty-eighth  expending  $500  and  the  I24th 
Regiment  about  $2,500  additional,  which  has  added  very  much  to  the 
beauty  of  those  two  monuments. 

We  hope  that  your  visit  of  inspection  this  morning  was  satisfactory  and 
that  the  monuments  erected  met  with  your  approval. 

I  think  I  express  the  sentiment  of  all  the  survivors  of  the  thirteen  regi 
ments  to  whose  honor  these  memorials  have  been  erected  when  I  ask  you 
as  the  representative  of  our  State  to  accept  their  thanks  for  the  liberal 
appropriation  that  has  enabled  them  to  be  represented  on  this  battlefield. 


RECEPTION  OF  THE  MONUMENTS  ON  BEHALF  OF  THE  STATE  BY 

HON.  SAMUEL  W.  PENNYPACKER,  GOVERNOR  OF 

PENNSYLVANIA. 

Comrades,  Ladies  and  Gentlemen  :  It  is  a  noteworthy  fact  that  the  State 
which  was  settled  by  a  people  devoted  to  the  ways  of  peace,  who  taught 
the  doctrine  that  a  civil  answer  turneth  away  wrath,  who  opposed  every 
aspect  of  warfare,  and  who  tried  to  carry  their  principles  even  into  their 
dealing  with  savage  tribes,  should  have  reached  highest  fame  and  distinc 
tion  in  battles  on  sea  and  land.  No  other  State  save  Virginia  can  vie  with 

367 


Address,  Governor  Pennypackcr. 

Pennsylvania  in  the  number  of  distinguished  military  commanders  given  to 
the  National  Government. 

We  have  come  now  from  our  Northern  State  into  this,  our  Sister  State 
.on  the  borderland  of  the  South,  to  commemorate  here  the  achievements 
of  Pennsylvania's  sons.  The  boundary  line  which  separates  our  State 
from  yours  is  the  most  famous  in  all  this  Union.  It  is  only  an  imaginary 
line,  however,  and  as  our  people  and  yours  pass  back  and  forth  across  it, 
there  has  been  bred  in  the  heart  of  either  a  feeling  of  mutual  love  and 
respect. 

We  of  Pennsylvania  do  not  forget  that  in  the  Revolutionary  War,  Ram 
say,  who  gallantly  led  the  Maryland  line  at  Monmouth,  was  born  in  our 
town  of  Lancaster,  nor  do  we  forget  that  your  towns  of  Frederick  and 
Hagerstown  were  largely  settled  by  people  that  came  from  our  State. 

Neither  do  we  forget  that  your  great  Chief  Justice  Roger  B.  Taney,  was 
educated  in  our  State  at  Carlisle,  or  that  our  great  Chief  Justices,  Benjamin 
Chew  and  Edward  Tilghman,  and  my  predecessor,  Robert  E.  Pattison, 
were  born  in  your  State. 

And  so  we  sing  with  you,  ''Maryland,  My  Maryland,"  and  you  sing  with 
us,  "John  Brown's  Body." 

We  have  come  here  to-day  to  commemorate  the  part  our  soldiers  played 
in  the  greatest  battle  of  the  Civil  War,  and  here,  upon  this  field,  where 
victory  was  won  under  the  commandership  of  a  son  of  Pennsylvania,  we 
greet  you. 

Antietam  had  a  greater  significance  than  any  other  battle  of  the  War, 
for,  when  we  heard  the  news  of  it  Abraham  Lincoln  issued  his  Emancipa 
tion  Proclamation.  It  was  due  to  what  was  done  here  that  the  pall,  which 
had  hovered  over  our  country  for  157  years,  was  dissipated. 

1  accept  these  pretty  monuments,  beautiful  and  impressive  as  they  are. 
and  to  you,  General  Oliver,  I  now  deliver  them,  to  be  cared  for  forever  1>\ 
the  National  Government. 

General  Robert  Shaw  ( )liver,  Assistant  Secretary  of  War,  in 
accepting  the  monuments  in  behalf  of  the  United  States  Govern 
ment,  said  : 

"At  no  period  in  the  history  of  our  Civil  War  were  there  more  gloomy 
forebodings,  more  doubts  of  the  success  of  the  Union  cause  than  in  the 
late  summer  of  1862.  The  Union  victories  of  the  early  months  of  the  year, 
in  the  west,  at  Mill  Springs,  Fort  Donaldson,  Pea  Ridge  and  down  to  the 
capture  of  Corinth,  had  been  followed  by  the  victorious  march  of  the 
Confederates  into  Kentucky  and  the  retreat  of  Buell's  LTnion  army  toward 
Ohio.  The  Union  campaign  on  the  Peninsula  for  Richmond  had  failed  and 
the  campaign  abandoned.  Pope's  army  had  been  defeated  and  driven 
within  the  defenses  of  Washington,  and  in  the  first  week  of  September 
the  Confederates,  under  General  Robert  E.  Lee,  flushed  with  victory  and 
high  hope  crossed  the  Potomac  into  Maryland  for  the  first  invasion  of 
the  North,  the  professed  purpose  being  to  raise  a  revolt  in  Maryland,  ally 

368 


Address,  Gen.  Robert  Shaw  Oliver. 

it  with  the  Southern  Confederacy,  seize  Harrisburg,  Pa.,  and  demand  the 
recognition  of  Southern  independence  from  both  the  Union  Government 
and  Great  Britain  and  France. 

"The  more  than  decimated  Army  of  the  Potomac,  the  shattered  battalions 
of  Pope  and  new  regiments  from  the  North,  many  of  them  from  Penn 
sylvania,  were  wisely  put  under  the  command  of  General  George  B. 
McClellan,  who  marched  against  Lee,  defeated  him  at  South  Mountain, 
September  I4th,  followed  him  to  this  field  and  joined  battle  on  the  I7th  in 
the  most  sanguinary  one  day's  contest  of  the  entire  war,  and  on  the  night 
of  the  i8th  Lee  recrossed  the  Potomac  into  Virginia. 

"The  discussion  of  the  strategy  of  the  campaign  and  the  tactics  on  this 
field  is  beyond  our  purpose,  suffice  it  to  say  that  both  sides,  Union  and 
Confederate,  did  their  whole  duty  as  they  understood  it,  as  Americans  do 
everywhere.  The  immediate  result  of  the  less  than  two  weeks'  campaign 
was  the  defeat  of  the  invasion  of  Pennsylvania  and  expulsion  of  the  Con 
federates  from  Maryland. 

"The  secondary  results,  swiftly  following,  were  far  reaching  and  mo 
mentous.  Great  Britain  and  France  paused  in  their  almost  completed 
arrangements  to  recognize  the  Southern  Confederacy,  and  from  the  fresh- 
made  graves  on  this  field  Abraham  Lincoln  put  in  action  his  high  resolve 
and  gave  to  the  world  his  immortal  Proclamation  of  Emancipation,  the 
greatest  act  of  the  nineteenth  century,  and  one  of  the  greatest  acts  of  all 
time. 

"Here  America  established  one  of  the  great  landmarks  of  its  history, 
and  in  the  doing  of  which  Pennsylvania  contributed  its  full  and  generous 
share.  She  gave  to  the  Union  army  its  commander,  one  of  her  great  and 
loved  sons — George  B.  McClellan — and  among  his  subordinates  were 
Meade,  the  hero  of  Gettysburg;  Hancock,  the  'Superb;'  the  unflinching 
Brooke;  Hartranft,  Wistar,  Coulter,  Baxter,  Oakford,  Christ,  Nagle,  Zinn, 
Hawley,  and  others,  many  of  whose  names  are  household  words,  and 
whose  deeds  are  an  inseparable  part  of  the  Nation's  history  and  glory.  Of 
the  152  Union  regiments  engaged  here,  forty-three,  or  more  than  35  per 
cent.,  were  from  Pennsylvania.  Of  the  12,410  Union  killed,  wounded  and 
missing,  Pennsylvania  gave  2,953,  or  about  one-fourth. 

"It  is  well  that  a  State  with  such  a  record  should  come  to  this  field  and 
set  up  enduring  memorials  to  her  sons  who  so  nobly  did  their  duty  here. 
To  you,  Governor  Pennypacker,  to  your  Legislature,  to  the  commissions, 
who,  under  your  direction  have  so  well  done  their  work,  and  to  others 
\vho  have  assisted,  is  due  the  gratitude  of  your  State,  of  its  people,  and 
of  the  patriotic  people  everywhere,  for  these  beautiful  monuments  this  day 
dedicated  with  interesting  and  pathetic  services. 

"In  behalf  of  the  United  States,  and  of  the  Nation,  it  is  with  great 
pleasure  that  I  receive  from  your  hands  these  memorials  for  perpetual  care 
and  preservation." 


24  369 


MONUMENTS  DEDICATED. 

List  of  the  thirteen  monuments  erected  by  the  State  of  Penn 
sylvania,  and  dedicated  September  17,  1904: 

45th  Pennsylvania  Volunteer  Infantry 

48th  Pennsylvania  Volunteer  Infantry 

50th  Pennsylvania  Volunteer  Infantry 

5  ist  Pennsylvania  Volunteer  Infantry 

looth  Pennsylvania  Volunteer  Infantry 

1 24th  Pennsylvania  Volunteer  Infantry 

1 25th  Pennsylvania  Volunteer  Infantry 

1 28th  Pennsylvania  Volunteer  Infantry 

i3Oth  Pennsylvania  Volunteer  Infantry 

I32d  Pennsylvania  Volunteer  Infantry 

1 37th  Pennsylvania  Volunteer  Infantry 

1 2th  Pennsylvania  Volunteer  Cavalry 

Durell's   Battery  of  Artillery 


At  the  session  of  the  Pennsylvania  Legislature,  following  the 
dedication  of  the  above  monuments,  an  appropriation  was  made 
to  the  regiments  named  below,  and  their  monuments  were 
dedicated  at  Antietam  in  September,  1906: 

3d  Pennsylvania  Reserves 

5th  Pennsylvania  Reserves 

7th  Pennsylvania  Reserves 

8th  Pennsvlvania  Reserves 


3/0 


ADDRESS  OF  REV.  J.  RICHARDS  BOYLE,  D.D. 

Late  Adjutant  iiith  Regiment,  Pa.  Vet.  Vols. ; 
On  the  Battlefield  of  Antietam,  Md.,  September  17,  1904. 


PENNSYLVANIA  AT  ANTIETAM. 

Pennsylvania  has  a  right  to  be  heard  on  every  battlefield  of  the  Civil 
War,  for  she  helped  to  give  them  their  glory.  When  the  great  conflict 
came  she  sent  three  hundred  and  sixty  thousand  of  her  brave  sons  to  the 
front,  and  had  it  been  necessary  she  would  have  furnished  as  many 
more.  On  every  ensanguined  field,  during  those  four  terrible  years,  her 
beautiful  banner,  with  its  inspiring  escutcheon,  floated  beside  the  still  more 
glorious  flag  of  the  great  Republic.  On  every  firing  line,  from  the  first 
defiant  gun  at  Bull  Run  to  the  last  expiring  shot  of  the  rebellion  at 
Appomattox,  her  volunteer  soldiery  stood  like  a  living  Gibraltar  against 
the  country's  foes.  In  every  battle  their  blood  hallowed  the  soil.  In 
every  military  prison  they  heroically  bore  sufferings  worse  than  death. 
Her  great  War  Governor,  and  his  counsellors,  consecrated  their  tireless 
energy  to  the  Union  cause.  Her  business  men  devoted  their  fortunes  to 
it.  In  the  church  and  the  home,  her  God-fearing  people  prayed  for  it. 
One  of  her  sons  led  the  first  fully  equipped  army  of  the  Union  into  the 
field.  Another  of  them  fought  and  won  on  her  own  soil  the  magnificent 
battle  that  decided  the  issue.  In  the  ranks  her  splendid  soldiers  com 
pelled  first  the  admiration  and  then  the  fear  of  her  foes.  Defeat  did  not 
dishearten,  nor  victory  unduly  exalt  them.  Together  with  their  com 
rades  from  the  other  loyal  States,  with  sublime  composure  they  willingly 
floundered  in  the  swamps  of  the  Chicahcminy  or  gloriously  scaled  the 
rugged  heights  of  Lookout  Mountain  and  Missionary  Ridge,  or  tri 
umphantly  won  at  Gettysburg,  or  jubilantly  swung  from  Atlanta  to  the 
sea,  or  patiently  waded  the  endless  morasses  of  the  Carolinas,  or  respect 
fully  received  the  surrendered  arms  of  their  adversaries  at  Appomattox 
and  Raleigh,  or  uncomplainingly  died  in  the  trench  or  on  bayonet  charge. 
Pennsylvania  is  justly  proud  of  the  services  of  her  citizen  soldiery  in  the 
war  for  the  Union.  Fully  and  freely  according  the  most  generous  measure 
of  praise  to  the  troops  of  her  sister  States,  she  supremely  loves  and  cher 
ishes  her  own.  Therefore,  on  the  fields  of  Gettysburg,  Chickamauga  and 
Chattanooga  she  has  munificently  raised  her  memorial  shafts  to  their 
fame,  and  therefore  through  these  chosen  representatives,  our  Common 
wealth  is  here  to-day. 

As  Abraham  Lincoln  said  at  the  dedication  of  the  National  Cemetery, 
at  Gettysburg,  "The  world  will  little  note,  nor  long  remember,  what  we 
say  here,  but  it  can  never  forget  what  our  brave  men  did  here."  In  the 
great  deeds  of  valor  performed  on  this  field  on  Wednesday,  September 
17,  1862,  the  soldiers  from  Pennsylvania  were  everywhere  conspicuous.  A 
Pennsylvania!!  commanded  the  Union  Army  on  that  fateful  day.  That 

373 


Address,  Rev.  J.  Richards  Boyle. 

noble  Pennsylvania  soldier,  who,  less  than  ten  months  later,  was  to  win 
the  most  important  battle  of  the  whole  war,  and  become  one  of  the  tri 
umvirate  of  greatest  of  American  captains- — George  Gordon  Meade — 
commanded  first  a  division  and  then  an  army  corps,  on  this  ground.  The 
Pennsylvania!!  who  was  to  achieve  the  proud  distinction  of  being  one  of 
the  best  corps  commanders  in  the  Union  Army,  Hancock,  "the  superb," 
was  here.  Another  Pennsylvanian,  who  was  to  become  a  division-general, 
and  who,  after  the  war,  was  to  twice  be  elected  to  the  executive  chair  of 
his  State,  John  F.  Hartranft — carried  Burnside's  bridge  at  the  head  of 
his  regiment.  One  entire  division  and  another  brigade  of  the  army  were 
all  Pennsylvanians,  and  at  least  eight  or  nine  brigades  were  commanded 
by  Pennsylvania  officers  in  this  battle.  In  all  forty-four  regiments  of 
infantry,  eight  batteries  and  five  cavalry  battalions  from  that  State  fought 
on  that  day,  and  fifteen  other  Pennsylvania  regiments  were  within  sup 
porting  distance.  They  were  in  every  corps  and  were  posted  on  all  parts 
of  the  field,  and  their  aggregate  losses  were  twenty-nine  hundred  and 
sixty-four  officers  and  men,  or  almost  exactly  24  per  cent,  of  the 
casualties  of  the  entire  army.  In  these  casualties  forty-three  officers  were 
either  killed  or  mortally  wounded. 

It  is  my  responsibility  and  honor  in  this  hour  to  outline  the  service 
rendered  by  these  troops  on  one  of  the  most  crucial  days  of  the  war,  and 
I  think  this  will  sufficiently  appear  in  the  general  resume  of  the  operations 
which  I  shall  present. 

Lee  invaded  Maryland  on  September  5  and  6,  1862.  with  an  army  of 
sixty-one  thousand  men.  He  had  beaten  Pope  back  from  the  line  of  the 
Rapidan  to  the  defenses  of  Washington,  and  that  officer  had  been  relieved 
of  command,  and  his  army  of  Virginia  merged  into  the  Army  of  the 
Potomac,  with  McClellan  again  at  its  head.  Lee  believed  that  the  hour  had 
come  for  the  final  success  of  the  Southern  Confederacy.  He  persuaded 
himself  that  he  could  keep  the  Union  Army  beaten,  and  by  the  bold  and 
swift  invasion  of  Maryland,  so  influence  the  approaching  elections  in  the 
North  as  to  compel  the  United  States  Government  to  listen  to  a  proposal 
for  peace  on  the  basis  of  independence  of  the  insurgent  States.  He 
therefore  suggested  that  Jefferson  Davis  should  publicly  and  officially 
demand  these  terms  from  the  head  of  his  conquering  army  on  Northern 
soil  But  the  battle  of  South  Mountain,  on  September  i-|th,  in  which  his 
forces  were  signally  defeated,  and  driven  west  of  the  Blue  Ridge,  shattered 
his  plans,  and  compelled  him  either  to  retreat  into  Virginia,  or  risk  a  gen 
eral  engagement  near  the  banks  of  the  Potomac.  He  had  detached  a  large 
force  of  four  divisions  under  Jackson  to  capture  Harper's  Ferry,  which 
result  was  promptly  accomplished,  and  Jackson's  divisions  countermarched 
to  Sharpsburg,  two  of  them  arriving  on  the  i6th,  and  the  others,  under 
McLaws  and  A.  P.  Hill,  reaching  the  field  in  time  for  the  battle  on  the 
following  day.  Lee,  meantime,  had  withdrawn  the  remainder  of  his  army 
from  South  Mountain,  via  Keedysville  to  the  Antietam  line.  He  posted  his 
entire  command  west  of  the  Antietam  Creek,  in  a  strong  position,  from  i 

374 


Address,  Rev.  J.  Richards  Boyle. 

point  one  mile  southwest  of  the  village  of  Sharpsburg  to  another  nearly 
two  miles  north  of  the  town,  his  extreme  left  being  held  by  Stuart's  cavalry. 
Below,  and  about  the  village,  are  the  Sharpsburg  Heights,  the  highest 
ground  on  the  field.  Toward  the  north  from  the  town,  the  Hagerstown 
turnpike  extends  to  and  beyond  a  crest  on  which  stands  a  white  brick 
Dunker  church,  which  at  the  time  of  the  battle  was  surrounded  on  three 
sides  by  a  thick  woods.  From  this  turnpike  north  of  the  church  the 
Smoketown  road  diverges  northeasterly,  and  south  of  it  an  ancient  sunken 
road,  known  since  the  battle  as  Bloody  Lane,  leads  eastwardly  at  a  sharp 
angle  to  Newcomer's  Mill  on  Antietam  Creek.  Beyond  the  church,  a  half 
mile  or  less,  on  elevated  and  rocky  ground,  the  Confederate  line  bent 
backward  to  the  northwest  to  a  point  only  a  few  hundred  yards  from  the 
Potomac  River,  which  at  this  place  makes  a  deep  westward  curve  to  the 
month  of  the  Antietam  Creek.  Longstreet's  Corps,  of  nineteen  brigades, 
held  the  right  of  this  line,  and  Jackson,  commanding  the  same  number  of 
brigades,  was  on  the  left — in  all  more  than  thirty-seven  thousand  men. 
Artillery  was  skillfully  posted  at  every  available  point  to  command  the 
undulating  front  along  the  entire  line  and  the  hills  beyond  the  creek.  The 
Antietam  Creek  itself  winds  sluggishly  through  the  field  of  operations,  and 
is  crossed  by  four  bridges,  the  third  one  of  which  only,  on  Burnside's 
front,  assumed  any  importance  in  the  engagement.  But  at  this  crossing 
the  creek  is  narrow  and  the  hills  are  sharp  and  steep. 

McClellan  had  seven  army  corps  in  his  command,  numbering  in  all 
eighty-seven  thousand  men.  But  of  these,  the  Fourth  Corps,  under  Couch, 
had  been  detached  towards  Harper's  Ferry,  and  did  not  return  until  the 
evening  of  the  ijth ;  Humphrey's  Division  of  the  Fifth  Corps  did  not  reach 
the  field  until  the  morning  of  the  i8th,  and  only  a  small  part  of  the  re 
mainder  of  the  Fifth,  and  but  one  division  of  the  Sixth  Corps,  the  latter 
arriving  at  10  o'clock,  took  an  active  part  in  the  battle.  The  cavalry,  under 
Pleasanton,  supported  the  horse  artillery  at  the  center.  The  First  Corps, 
under  Hooker  and  Meade;  the  Second,  under  Sumner,  the  Ninth,  under 
Burnside  and  Cox,  and  the  Twelfth,  under  Mansfield  and  Williams,  fought 
the  battle  of  Antietam,  they  having  in  all  but  little  more  than  fifty-five 
thousand  men.  These  corps  were  posted  from  right  to  left  in  the  following 
order:  The  First,  Twelfth,  Second  and  Ninth,  with  the  Sixth  and  Fifth 
behind  the  center  in  artillery  support  and  reserve.  The  heavy  guns  and 
the  field  batteries  were  carefully  placed  in  position  along  the  creek  hills,  and 
all  suitable  points  in  the  line,  and  by  the  night  of  the  i6th  all  the  necessary 
dispositions  were  made. 

McClellan  was  compelled  to  attack.  His  plan  was  to  assail  the  enemy's 
left,  then  his  right,  and  if  successful,  to  deliver  a  final  assault  on  his 
center.  It  was  admirably  conceived,  and  was  identical  with  Grant's  plan  of 
battle  in  November,  1863,  at  Chattanooga.  Had  it  been  carried  out,  as  it 
should  have  been,  at  3  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  with  the  help  of  the  Fifth  and 
Sixth  Corps,  there  can  be  no  reasonable  doubt  that  the  Army  of  Northern 
Virginia  would  have  been  destroyed.  But  the  battle  as  fought  consisted  of 

375 


Address,  Rev.  J.  Richards  Boyle. 

attacks  on  the  enemy  flanks  only,  those  on  his  left  being  made  by  the  First, 
Twelfth  and  Second  Corps  in  detail.  The  center  was  never  seriously 
molested,  although  it  was  attenuated  beyond  the  danger  point  by  the  strug 
gle  on  Lee's  left  in  the  morning,  and  on  his  right  in  the  afternoon  after 
Burnside  had  crossed.  On  the  afternoon  of  the  i6th  Hooker  crossed  the 
creek  near  Keedysville,  and  shortly  after  2  o'clock  threw  his  divisions  into 
line ;  Meade,  with  his  thirteen  regiments  of  Pennsylvania  Reserves  having 
the  advance.  He  met  Jackson's  troops  in  a  severe  skirmish,  but  no  definite 
results  were  obtained.  At  midnight  Mansfield  also  crossed  from  Keedys 
ville,  and  with  columns  closed  in  mass,  took  position  on  Hooker's  left  and 
rear,  and  both  armies  bivouacked  in  a  drizzling  rain  on  a  field  which 
within  a  few  hours  was  to  be  indented  with  their  struggling  feet  and 
drenched  with  their  blood. 

With  early  daylight  Hooker  opened  the  battle.  He  was  in  position  about 
one  mile  north  of  the  Dunker  church.  His  right  rested  on  the  Hagerstown 
pike,  with  Meade  and  Ricketts  in  front  and  Patrick's  Brigade  of  Double- 
day's  Division  refused  to  the  right  rear,  and  his  left  brigade,  under  Rick 
etts,  overlapping  the  Smoketown  road.  Seymour's  Brigade,  of  Meade's 
Division,  containing  the  First,  Second,  Fifth,  Sixth  and  Thirteenth  Penn 
sylvania  Reserves,  under  Col.  R.  Biddle  Roberts,  Capt.  James  N.  Byrnes, 
Col.  Joseph  W.  Fisher,  Col.  William  Sinclair  and  Capt.  Dennis  McGee, 
respectively,  was  thrown  well  to  the  front,  with  Cooper's  battery,  the 
Thirteenth  Regiment  being  scarcely  one  thousand  yards  from  the  Dunker 
church.  Hoffman's  Brigade,  containing  the  Seventh  Indiana,  the  Seventy- 
sixth  and  Ninety-fifth  New  York  and  the  Fifty-sixth  Pennsylvania  Regi 
ments,  the  latter  under  Capt.  Frederick  Williams  of  Doubleday's  Division, 
was  posted  to  protect  the  extreme  right.  As  the  day  dawned  Hooker  per 
ceived  that  the  rough  and  wooded  crest  surrounding  and  extending  north 
from  the  church  was  the  strategic  key  to  the  whole  field  in  his  front,  and 
his  problem  was  to  take  it.  The  position  was  defended  by  Jackson's, 
Swell's,  Hoods  and  D.  H.  Hill's  Divisions,  strengthened  by  Lawton's 
Divisions  from  Lee's  right,  and  supported  by  S.  D.  Lee's  artillery.  Double- 
day  and  Ricketts  advanced  through  the  open  ground  and  the  east  woods  to 
a  cornfield,  and  were  at  once  furiously  engaged.  Meade,  with  Seymour's 
Brigade  in  advance  on  their  left,  held  Magilton,  with  the  Third,  Fourth, 
Seventh  and  Eighth  Pennsylvania  Reserves  commanded  by  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  John  Clark,  Major  John  Nyce,  Col.  Henry  C.  Bolinger,  and  Major 
Silas  M.  Baily,  on  his  left,  and  Anderson,  with  the  Ninth,  Tenth,  Eleventh 
and  Twelfth  Pennsylvania  Reserves,  under  Lieutenant-Colonel  Robert 
Anderson,  Lieutenant-Colonel  A.  J.  Warner,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Samuel 
M.  Jackson  and  Captain  Richard  Gustin,  on  his  right,  in  close  support  of 
the  advancing  line.  The  east  woods  was  an  open  grove  in  which  the  ground 
burst  into  rocky  ledges,  forming  admirable  protection  to  infantry,  and 
from  behind  these  natural  rifle  pits  and  from  the  open  field,  the  enemy 
delivered  a  galling  and  destructive  fire  upon  Doubleday  and  Ricketts.  The 
smoky  air  blazed  with  flame  and  crashed  with  exploding  shells.  In  the 

376 


Address,  Rev.  J.  Richards  Boyle. 

open  the  growing  corn  \vas  cut  from  the  stalks  as  with  knives,  and  within 
the  woods  limbs  of  trees  were  torn  c.way  and  rocks  were  splintered  by 
the  deadly  fire.  Lawton's  troops  charged  on  the  supporting  Union  batteries, 
but  were  repulsed  with  double  shots  of  canister.  Meade  with  his  two  sup 
porting  brigades  and  his  batteries  came  in  between  Ricketts  and  Doubleday, 
and  Hooker's  entire  corps  was  in  a  death  grapple  for  the  possession  of  the 
all-important  crest.  On  both  sides  of  the  pike  the  battle  raged  with  tre 
mendous  and  increasing  fury.  General  Starke,  on  the  Confederate  side, 
was  killed,  General  Hartsuff  fell  severely  wrounded,  and  General  Hooker 
himself  was  borne  disabled  from  the  field,  and  Meade  assumed  command 
of  the  corps.  Doubleday  was  halted  and  pressed  back  for  a  little  distance, 
but  Ricketts  slowly,  gained  ground  until  he  reached  the  west  of  the  woods, 
where  he  held  his  position  firmly  until  his  ammunition  was  exhausted.  He 
called  for  aid,  and  Magilton  was  sent  him  by  Meade.  In  his  division,  the 
Eleventh  Pennsylvania,  Col.  Richard  Coulter,  the  Eighty-eighth  Pennsyl 
vania,  Lieutenant-Colonel  George  W.  Gile ;  the  Nineteenth  Pennsylvania, 
Colonel  Peter  Lyle,  and  the  iO7th  Pennsylvania,  Captain  James  MacThomp- 
son,  all  performed  valiant  service,  Colonel  Lyle's  color-bearer  dying  bravely, 
and  Lieutenant-Colonel  Gile  being  severely  wounded.  Their  losses  were 
one  hundred  and  twenty-four,  seventy-seven,  ninety-eight  and  sixty-four 
men,  respectively.  Nine  hundred  and  fifty-six  men  from  the  eighteen 
Pennsylvania  regiments  in  the  corps  had  fallen.  But  Hooker's  progress 
wras  by  this  time  halted.  The  lines  in  his  front,  reinforced  by  Walker  from 
Longstreet  on  the  right,  were  too  strong  to  be  broken,  and  as  if  by  mutual 
consent  a  lull  occurred  in  the  battle,  and  on  both  sides  the  contending  gladi 
ators  paused  for  breath. 

At  6.30  o'clock  Mansfield  had  called  the  Twelfth  Corps  from  its  bivouac 
and  marched  it  forward  on  both  sides  of  the  Smoketown  road  in  support 
of  Hooker's  left.  Its  First  Division  under  Williams,  and  subsequently 
under  Crawford,  contained  among  its  other  regiments  the  Fifty-sixth 
Pennsylvania,  Col.  Joseph  F.  Knipe;  the  i24th,  Col.  Joseph  W.  Hawley; 
the  I25th,  Col.  Jacob  Higgins,  and  the  I28th,  Col.  Samuel  Croasdale,  and 
in  its  Second  Division,  under  Greene,  were  the  28th  Pennsylvania,  Major 
Ario  Pardee,  Jr.,  and  the  uith.  Major  Thomas  M.  Walker,  with  Knap's 
and  Hampton's  Pennsylvania  batteries.  Two  companies  of  the  Zouaves 
d'Afriquc  from  Pennsylvania  were  also  with  Craxvford,  but  without  officers, 
and  were  temporarily  attached  to  the  Second  Massachusetts  Regiment. 
Mansfield  fell,  mortally  wounded,  as  he  was  deploying  his  command  into 
line,  and  Williams  took  the  corps.  The  First  Division,  Crawford,  in 
advance,  passed  Magilton  and  Anderson  of  Meade's  Division,  and  came  into 
line  to  the  right,  Knipe's  First  Brigade  leading.  The  Forty-sixth  Pennsyl 
vania,  now  under  Lieutenant-Colonel  James  L.  Selfridge,  advanced,  firing 
as  it  went,  until  it  faced  Ripley's  Brigade  of  D.  H.  Hill's  Division,  which 
it  promptly  engaged.  The  I28th  Pennsylvania,  a  new  regiment  of  the  same 
brigade,  came  into  line  on  the  right,  but  before  its  formation  was  completed, 
its  Colonel,  Samuel  Croasdale,  was  killed,  and  its  Lieutenant-Colonel, 

377 


Address,  Rei'.  J.  Richards  Boyle. 

William  M.  Hainmersly,  was  wounded.  The  Major,  Joel  B.  Wanner,  suc 
ceeded  to  command,  and  led  it  gallantly  throughout  the  action.  Its  loss  was 
one  hundred  and  eighteen  men.  The  I25th  Pennsylvania,  Col.  Jacob  Hig- 
gins — another  new  regiment — received  its  baptism  of  fire  with  a  cheer, 
and  drove  the  enemy  into  the  woods  on  the  right  of  the  Smoketown  road, 
capturing  some  prisoners.  It  supported  a  battery  until  the  enemy's  fire 
slackened,  and  then  sending  out  skirmishers  under  Captain  McKeage,  of 
Company  G,  it  again  advanced,  and  with  great  spirit  delivered  its  fire  in 
exposed  line,  until  it  was  called  to  the  support  of  a  second  battery.  Its 
Adjutant,  Lieutenant  R.  M.  Johnston,  was  mortally  wounded,  and  the  regi 
ment  sustained  a  total  loss  of  one  hundred  and  forty-five  men.  The  I24th 
Pennsylvania,  Col.  Joseph  W.  Hawley,  also  in  the  field  for  the  first  time, 
with  its  right  on  the  pike,  received  a  raking  fire  from  the  woods  on  both 
flanks,  to  which  it  valiantly  responded.  Its  commanding  officer  was 
wounded,  but  it  advanced  with  the  division,  gaining  with  it  the  field,  north 
east  of  the  church.  Its  casualties  included  sixty-four  men. 

By  this  time  it  was  9.30  o'clock.  General  Crawford  had  been  wounded, 
and  Gen.  G.  H.  Gordon  had  replaced  him  in  command  of  the  First 
Division.  At  8  o'clock  Greene's  Second  Division  had  come  gallantly  into 
the  seething  conflict  on  each  side  of  the  Smoketown  Road,  to  the  right  of 
the  burning  Mumma  buildings,  and  the  small  Twelfth  Corps  was  to  its  last 
man  struggling  to  secure  the  crest  that  Hooker  was  unable  to  take.  The 
Third  Brigade,  under  Goodrich,  was  detached  to  strengthen  Patrick,  and 
Tyndale's  First  Brigade  had  the  right  of  the  division  line,  and  Stainrook's 
Second  Brigade  the  left.  The  only  Pennsylvania  troops  present  with  the 
division  were  the  Twenty-eighth,  Major  Ario  Pardee,  Jr.,  and  the  nith. 
Major  Thomas  M.  Walker,  and  these  veteran  commands  stood  side  by  side 
throughout  the  morning  and  fought  the  battle  in  their  front  from  an  unpro 
tected  line.  Knap's  and  Hampton's  Pennsylvania  batteries  also  \vere  witl] 
the  division  and  did  noble  service  during  the  entire  day.  The  men  had 
leaped  to  arms  before  sunrise  without  breakfast,  or  even  coffee,  and 
advanced  over  the  fields  and  from  the  east  woods,  firing,  and  capturing 
squads  of  prisoners.  They  were  still  as  far  from  the  church  as  Hooker  had 
been,  though  further  eastward,  and  had  Ripley,  Colquitt  and  Garland  in 
their  front,  Jackson  and  Early  on  the  west  of  the  pike  to  their  right,  and 
Hood  concealed  in  the  west  woods  behind  the  church  itself.  From  their 
shortened  and  compact  lines  these  Southern  troops  concentrated  on 
Greene's  advancing  men  a  withering  fire,  but  his  steady  battalions  pressed 
resolutely  up  the  gentle  slope,  though  with  greatly  decimated  ranks.  Hamp 
ton,  Knap,  Tompkins  and  Cochran  galloped  up,  wheeled  their  batteries  into 
line,  and  filled  the  woods  about  the  church  with  exploding  shells.  Two 
sections  of  Napoleon  guns  aided  the  artillery  attack  until  they  failed  of 
ammunition  and  were  withdrawn.  Still  the  line  advanced  toward  the  pike, 
and  at  last  the  crest  so  long  and  so  stubbornly  contested  was  beneath  the 
Union  colors.  But  it  was  not  yet  yielded.  As  severe  fighting  as  was 
possible  for  desperate  men  was  still  to  be  done.  Stainrook's  Brigade  was 

3/8 


Address,  Rcr.  J.  Richards  Boyle. 

now  southeast  of  the  church,  firing  as  rapidly  as  the  men  could  load,  and 
supported  by  Tompkin's  Rhode  Island  battery.  Kershaw's  Confederate 
Brigade  burst  from  the  woods  south  of  the  church,  leaped  the  stout  post 
and  rail  fence  at  the  pike,  and  with  a  wild  yell  rushed  for  Tompkin's 
guns.  With  fixed  bayonets,  ihe  28th  and  iiith  Pennsylvania  and  the 
Third  Maryland  awaited  them.  When  they  were  within  fifty  yards  of  the 
battery  the  iiith  sprang  among  the  axles  of  the  guns,  the  cannoneers  dis 
charged  double-shotted  canister  into  the  faces  of  the  foe,  and  with  an 
answering  cheer  these  regiments  and  the  Fifth  and  Seventh  Ohio  counter 
charged  against  Kershaw's  brave  battalions.  Flesh  and  blood  could  not 
withstand  their  impact.  The  enemy's  line  halted,  swayed  a  moment  under 
the  staggering  bloxv  and  broke  to  the  rear,  followed  by  the  commands 
just  named.  Up  to  the  fence,  across  the  pike,  and  into  the  woods  south 
of  the  church  the  victorious  boys  in  blue  dashed,  and  facing  their  lines  west 
and  south,  successfully  held  their  new  position  during  the  remainder  of 
the  forenoon.  It  was  the  most  advanced  ground  gained  during  the  day  on 
that  part  of  the  field,  and  it  threatened  Lee's  whole  left  flank.  If  Green 
had  been  permanently  supported  in  it,  Lee's  left  would  have  been  turned 
and  driven  from  the  field.  The  Twenty-eighth  Pennsylvania  captured  a 
battle  flag.  Its  casualties  were  two  hundred  and  twenty-six,  and  the 
i  nth  Regiment  lost  one  hundred  and  ten  men,  out  of  two  hundred  and 
thirty  engaged.  Its  colors  were  pierced  by  twenty-five  bullet  holes ;  its 
color-bearer  \vas  shot;  its  commandant,  Major  Walker,  was  wounded,  and 
it  was  presented  on  the  field  with  a  flag  by  the  brigade  commander,  Colonel 
Stainrook.  Lieutenant-Colonel  Tyndale,  commanding  Greene's  First 
Brigade,  was  also  wounded.  All  along  the  Twelfth  Corps  front  the 
slaughter  had  been  frightful,  and  especially  where  the  enemy  had  attempted 
to  cross  the  pike,  the  bodies  of  the  slain,  as  another  has  said,  had  fallen  in 
windrows.  Lee's  left  was  so  disabled  that  General  Jason  D.  Cox  declares 
that  another  concerted  movement  by  our  available  forces  would  have 
finally  crushed  it  before  McLaws  or  A.  P.  Hill  could  have  reached  the  field, 
and  Longstreet  admits  that  such  a  movement  would  have  penetrated  that 
point  to  the  river  bank. 

While  Williams'  successful  battle  was  in  progress,  Simmer  was  bringing 
up  the  Second  Corps  on  the  left  and  right  of  the  Twelfth.  Sedgwick's 
Division  was  in  advance  with  Gorman's,  Howard's  and  Dana's  Brigades. 
In  his  Second  Brigade  (Howard's)  were  the  Sixty-ninth,  Seventy-first, 
Seventy-second  and  io6th  Pennsylvania  Regiments,  under  Col.  Joshua  T. 
Owen,  Col.  Isaac  J.  Wistar,  Col.  DeWitt  C.  Baxter  and  Col.  Turner  G. 
Moorhead,  which  troops  were  known  as  the  Philadelphia  Brigade.  The 
division  dashed  into  the  west  woods  in  three  lines  on  the  north  of  the  church, 
and  found  Early  rallied  behind  its  outcropping  ledges  of  rock.  McLaws 
also  arrived  with  his  fresh  Confederate  division  at  this  opportune  moment, 
with  Wralker  to  support  him.  Sedgwick  drove  Early  back  upon  these  rein 
forcements,  but  was  caught  on  the  flank  by  McLaws  and  Walker  and  two 
concealed  regiments  under  Cols.  Griggby  and  Stafford.  Howard's  Brigade 

379 


Address,  Rez1.  J.  Richards  Boyle. 

changed  front  to  meet  this  attack,  but  was  forced  to  the  right  and  rear  in 
some  confusion,  Gorman  and  Dana  sheltering  themselves  behind  the  same 
outcropping  of  rock  that  Early's  men  had  abandoned,  halted  the  enemy  for 
a  time,  but  Sedgwick  and  Dana  were  wounded,  and  before  noon  the 
division  was  retired  to  Joseph  Poffenberger's  farm,  near  which  the  battle 
had  begun,  and  where  Meade  with  the  First  Corps  was  preventing  Jackson 
and  Stuart  from  resuming  offensive  operations.  The  losses  of  the  Sixty- 
ninth,  Seventy-first,  Seventy-second  and  io6th  Pennsylvania  Regiments 
were  ninety-two,  one  hundred  and  thirty-nine,  two  hundred  and  thirty- 
seven,  and  seventy-seven,  respectively,  a  total  of  five  hundred  and  forty-five 
men  from  the  brigade. 

Greene  was  now  alone  and  unsupported  in  his  advanced  position  in  the 
woods  on  the  south  and  west  of  the  church.  D.  H.  Hill,  finding  the  way 
clear,  marched  out  of  the  church  woods  by  Greene's  left  flank,  with  his 
own  and  Walker's  Division;  in  front  of  what  was  soon  to  be  the  Bloody 
Lane,  towards  the  Roulette  house.  Sumner,  who  had  accompanied  Sedg 
wick  into  his  fight,  did  not  retire  with  that  division,  but  hastened  to  join 
trench's  Division,  which,  with  Brooke's  Brigade  of  Richardson's  First 
Division,  was  at  this  time  appearing  in  Hill's  new  front.  Meantime  he 
signalled  to  McClellan  for  reinforcements,  and  by  virtue  of  his  seniority  to 
Williams  ordered  the  First  Division  of  the  Twelfth  Corps  again  to  charge 
the  pike  in  an  effort  to  regain  Sedgwick's  lost  ground.  This  was  gallantly 
done  by  Crawford's  weakened  brigades,  but  the  weight  of  the  enemy  was  too 
great  for  them.  French  and  Brooke,  however,  engaged  Hill's  troops  about 
the  Roulette  house,  and  after  a  desperate  encounter,  drove  them  back  over 
ascending  ground  on  Bloody  Lane,  which  afforded  them  a  natural  breastwork. 
Here  the  brigade  of  Colquitt,  Garland,  Rodes,  G.  B.  Anderson  and  Wright, 
were  closely  posted,  and  some  of  the  most  terrific  fighting  of  the  day  took 
place.  Richardson,  with  the  First  Division  of  the  Second  Corps,  came 
up  in  good  time  on  French's  left,  and  these  two  commands  presented  per 
haps  the  most  spectacular  sight  of  the  battle.  From  the  Roulette  house 
they  advanced  through  the  open  and  rising  fields,  swinging  compactly  for 
ward  in  brigade  front,  with  colors  flying  as  if  on  parade,  and  under  a 
murderous  fire  they  reached  the  crest  of  the  low  hill  and  faced  Bloody 
Lane.  The  Fifty-third  Pennsylvania,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Richards 
McMichael,  and  the  Eighty-first,  Major  H.  Boyd  McKean,  were  with 
Richardson,  and  the  i3Oth,  Colonel  Henry  I.  Zinn,  and  the  I32d,  Col.  Rich 
ard  A.  Oakford — the  latter  new  regiments — were  under  French.  With 
their  intrepid  comrades,  these  troops  answered  the  enemy's  deadly  fire  with 
great  precision  and  effect.  As  they  advanced  the  Eighty-first,  of  Cald- 
well's  Brigade,  and  the  Fifty-third  of  Brooke's  performed  excellent  and 
timely  service  in  checking  a  flank  movement  against  Richardson,  and  from 
the  finally  established  lines,  these  splendid  divisions  for  two  hours  upheld 
the  final  struggle  on  the  right  of  the  field  of  Antietam.  Line  after  line 
charged  the  Lane,  and  sortie  after  sortie  was  attempted  from  it.  Gen 
eral  Richardson  and  Colonel  Barlow  were  wounded,  the  former  mortally. 

38o 


Address,  Rev.  J.  Richards  Boyle 

Colonel  Oakford,  of  the  I32d  Pennsylvania,  was  killed.  Still  our  lines 
pressed  nearer  the  Lane.  Scarcely  seventy-five  yards  separated  the  furious 
hosts.  As  the  guns  fouled  the  men  wiped  out  their  barrels  or  snatched  up 
the  arms  of  their  fallen  comrades  and  continued  to  fire  without  intermis 
sion.  The  Confederate  ranks  were  melting  away.  D.  H.  Hill  seized  a 
musket  and  fought  like  a  private  soldier  to  steady  his  wavering  men. 
Longstreet,  from  the  west  woods  beyond  the  pike,  held  the  horses  of  his 
staff  while  those  officers  served  a  battery  as  cannoneers.  G.  B.  Anderson 
fell  mortally  wounded,  and  Wright  and  R.  H.  Anderson  were  borne  bleed 
ing  from  the  field.  Col.  John  B.  Gordon,  of  the  Sixth  Alabama,  was  rid 
dled  with  five  wounds  and  barely  escaped  with  his  life.  Ammunition  was 
running  low.  "Lee's  lines/'  exclaimed  Longstreet,  "were  throbbing  at 
every  point."  The  brigades  defending  Bloody  Lane  were  fragmented  and 
exhausted.  Some  of  them  contained  scarcely  one  hundred  men.  The 
Lane  itself  was  heaped  two  or  three  bodies  deep,  and  its  banks  were 
smeared  with  blood.  It  was  no  longer  tenable.  By  12  o'clock  Caldwell, 
Meagher  and  Brooke  were  in  possession  of  it,  and  the  field  near  Hagers- 
town  pike,  with  its  important  crest,  was  ours  to  within  three-quarters  of  a 
mile  of  Sharpsburg.  But  the  determined  brigades  of  the  veteran  Greene 
had,  alas,  been  forced,  for  lack  of  adequate  support,  from  the  ground 
beyond  the  pike  and  the  church,  which  they  had  so  tenaciously  held  since 
10  o'clock.  The  two  divisions  of  the  Sixth  Corps,  under  Slocum  and 
Smith,  had  been  ordered  into  the  breach  on  Greene's  right,  but  only 
Irwin's  Brigade,  of  the  Second  Division,  reached  his  side.  These  troops 
did  some  effective  service  in  which  the  Seventh  Maine  Regiment,  Major 
Hyde,  was  especially  distinguished.  This  command  charged  beyond  the 
brigade  lines,  with  the  bayonet,  driving  the  enemy  several  hundred  yards, 
when  it  found  itself  enclosed  on  front  and  left  by  a  greatly  superior  force. 
Then  it  closed  in  upon  its  colors  and  fought  its  way  out  with  a  loss  of 
ninety-five  men  out  of  one  hundred  and  eighty-one  engaged.  The  Major 
and  Adjutant  had  their  horses  shot  under  them,  and  no  officer  of  the  regi 
ment  escaped  without  bullet  marks.  Irwin's  relief  was,  however,  entirely 
insufficient,  and  Greene  retired  to  the  line  on  Poffenberger's  farm. 

Morrell's  Division  of  the  Fifth  Corps,  about  4  o'clock,  was  ordered  to 
relieve  Richardson's  troops  in  support  of  the  batteries  near  the  pike.  The 
brigades  of  Griffin  and  Stockton,  of  this  division,  were  moved  to  the  right 
toward  Sumner,  but  while  en  route  were  halted  by  General  McClellan 
personally,  and  except  for  artillery  fire,  were  not  engaged.  Griffin's  Bri 
gade  contained  the  Sixty-second  Pennsylvania,  under  Colonel  J.  B. 
Sweitzer,  and  Stockton's  the  Eighty-third,  under  Captain  O.  S.  Woodward. 
In  the  First  Brigade  (Barnes)  was  the  u8th  Pennsylvania,  Colonel 
Charles  M.  Prevost,  which  escaped  losses  here,  but  performed  gallant  ser 
vice  under  trying  conditions,  and  suffered  severely  at  Shepherdstown 
three  days  later. 

Franklin  had  in  the  First  Division  of  his  Sixth  Corps,  the  Ninety-fifth 
and  Ninety-sixth  Pennsylvania,  under  Cols.  G.  W.  Town  and  Henry  L. 

38i 


Address,  Rcr.  J.  Richards  Boyle. 

Cake,  and  in  his  Second  Division,  the  Forty-ninth  and  I37th  Pennsylvania, 
the  latter  a  new  regiment  under  Lieutenant-Colonel  William  Brisbane  and 
Colonel  Henry  M.  Bossert,  but  these  commands  were  afforded  no  oppor 
tunity  for  positive  service  during  the  day,  and  their  losses  were 
inconsiderable. 

Later  in  the  afternoon  Lee  ordered  Jackson's  troops  to  attack  the 
Union  right,  but  the  heavy  artillery  fire  which  was  maintained  by  our 
batteries,  rendered  a  renewal  of  hostilities  unfavorable  and  the  movement 
did  not  take  place.  The  battle  on  thai  part  of  the  field  was  ended.  The 
casualties  of  the  i3Oth  and  I32d  Pennsylvania  were  one  hundred  and 
seventy-eight  and  one  hundred  and  fifty-two  respectively.  While  those  of 
the  three  corps  who  had  fought  on  the  right  reached  the  appalling  aggre 
gate  of  nine  thousand,  three  hundred  and  eighty-four  men.  In  addition 
to  these  the  Sixth  Corps  lost  four  hundred  and  thirty-nine  men,  of 
which  the  casualties  in  its  Pennsylvania  regiments  were  sixteen. 

At  i  o'clock  the  scene  of  the  battle  shifted  from  the  right  to  the  left 
of  the  Union  line.  Burnside  was  in  command  on  that  part  of  the  field,  and 
had  with  him  the  three  divisions  of  the  Ninth  Corps,  under  Willcox,  Stur- 
gis  and  Rodman  and  the  Kanawha  Division  of  two  brigades  under 
Colonel  Scammon.  Five  Pennsylvania  regiments  were  in  the  Ninth 
Corps,  with  Wiilcox  and  Sturgis,  the  Fiftieth,  Major  Edward  Overtoil 
being  in  Christ's  Brigade;  the  Forty-fifth,  Lieutenant-Colonel  John  I.  Cur- 
tin,  and  the  looth.  Col.  David  A.  Lackey,  in  Weber's ;  the  Forty-eighth, 
Lieutenant-Colonel  Joshua  K.  Sigfried,  in  Nagle's ;  and  the  Fifty-first, 
Col.  John  F.  Hartranft,  in  Ferero's.  Captain  George  W.  Durrell's  battery 
was  also  attached  to  Willcox's  Division.  The  corps  commander.  General 
Reno,  had  been  killed  at  South  Mountain,  three  days  before,  and  Brigadier- 
General  Jacob  D.  Cox  was  at  its  head. 

Burnside's  whole  force  was  posted  on  the  east  side  of  the  creek  near 
the  bridge  that  has  since  borne  his  name.  This  is  a  stone  structure,  about 
twelve  feet  wide  and  more  than  one  hundred  in  length,  with  parapets  at 
each  side,  and  is  one  mile  south  of  Sharpsburg.  The  hills  on  each  side 
of  the  creek  are  steep  and  high,  and  at  the  time  of  the  battle  those  on  the 
west  bank  were  densely  \vooded.  The  Rohrersburg  pike,  which  crosses 
at  this  point,  winds  down  a  ravine  through  the  Sharpsburg  Heights,  and 
approaches  the  bridge  under  the  shoulder  of  these  hills  from  the  north. 
These  bold  bluffs  had  part  way  up  their  side  a  stone  quarry,  which 
afforded  a  safe  hiding  place  for  sharpshooters,  and  along  their  crest  a 
stone  fence  extended  that  formed  a  strong  protection  to  the  infantry  line. 
They  were  defended  by  Confederate  artillery  and  Walker's  and  D.  R. 
Jones'  Divisions  of  Longstreet's  Corps,  Munford's  Cavalry  extending  the 
line  to  the  south  of  the  Harper's  Ferry  road.  Toombs'  Brigade,  with 
skirmishers  at  the  creek,  and  Eubank's,  Richardson's  and  Eshleman's  bat 
teries,  in  support,  directly  defended  the  bridge.  Burnside's  artillery,  con 
sisting  of  Benjamin's  twenty-pound  parrott  guns,  and  McMullen's, 
Clarke's,  Cook's,  Muhlenburg's,  Simmond's  and  Durell's  batteries,  were 


Address,,  Rer.  J.  Richards  Boyle. 

posted  opposite,  and  his  infantry  was  in  close  support — Sturgis  and  Rod 
man  being  in  front,  and  Willcox  in  reserve.  Fitz  John  Porter's  Fifth 
Corps.  Sykes'  Division,  connected  on  his  right  and  guarded  the  crossing 
at  the  Boonsboro  bridge. 

In  the  morning  the  enemy  promptly  opened  a  heavy  artillery  fire  on 
Burnside's  position,  the  reply  to  which  blew  up  two  caissons  and  silenced 
the  attack.  At  8  o'clock  Burnside  was  directed  to  carry  the  bridge,  but 
he  claims  that  the  movement  was  to  await  additional  orders.  At  10 
o'clock  his  order  to  assault  was  imperative.  He  at  once  threw  Crook  and 
Sturgis  forward  on  the  high  ground  facing  the  bridge,  with  the  Eleventh 
Connecticut,  Colonel  Kingsbury,  deployed  as  skirmishers,  and  sent  Rod 
man  and  Scammon  three-fourths  of  a  mile  down  the  creek  to  find 
Snavely's  ford,  with  instructions  to  cross  and  protect  the  movement  from 
the  left.  Crook  advanced  cautiously  down  the  slope,  but  on  entering  the 
narrow,  open  ground  beside  the  stream,  found  himself  in  the  center  of  a 
tremendous  converging  cyclone  of  musketry  and  artillery  fire.  His  lines 
were  within  easy  ririe  shot,  and  as  his  men  bent  their  heads  to  the  storm 
and  charged  toward  the  bridge,  they  were  deluged  in  the  narrow  gap,  with 
a  concentrated  fire  of  the  enemy.  Colonel  Kingsbury,  who  was  a  near 
relative  of  Gen.  D.  R.  Jones,  the  Confederate  commander  in  his  front, 
fell  dead  on  the  skirmish  line,  and  after  great  slaughter,  Crook  found  it 
impossible  to  reach  and  cross  the  narrow  bridge,  on  which  was  falling  a 
hail  of  lead  and  iron.  Sturgis  hurried  forward  to  his  aid  with  the  Sixth 
New  Hampshire  and  the  Second  Maryland  Regiments  of  Nagle's  Brigade, 
supported  by  the  Forty-eighth  Pennsylvania,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Sigfried, 
the  Union  batteries  covering  his  advance,  but  the  plunging  shot  of  the 
enemy,  some  of  which  came  through  ihe  ravine  from  Cemetery  Hill,  and 
the  centralized  volleys  from  Toombs'  Brigade  could  not  be  withstood. 
Nagle's  men,  unmindful  of  danger  and  odds,  made,  however,  a  deter 
mined  and  persistent  effort  to  gain  the  bridge.  With  fix^ed  bayonets,  at 
double  time,  and  with  cheers,  they  dashed  down  the  steep  face  of  the  hill 
and  over  the  narrow  open  ground  at  its  base,  in  a  torrent  of  fire,  reached 
the  bridge,  crowded  upon  it,  and  almost  gained  the  western  end  before 
the  smothering  deluge  of  shot  and  shell  halted  their  brave  advance,  and 
swept  them  back.  Burnside,  beholding  their  repulse  and  thoroughly 
aroused,  declared  that  the  bridge  must  be  carried  at  all  hazards,  and 
ordered  up  fresh  troops.  Ferero's  Brigade  responded,  but  as  only  two 
regiments  could  be  utilized,  the  Fifty-first  Pennsylvania,  Col.  John  F. 
Hartranft,  and  the  Fifty-first  New  York,  Col.  Robert  B.  Potter,  were 
detailed  for  the  heroic  task.  Approaching  the  bridge  by  a  shorter  and 
partly  protected  route,  they  leaped  into  the  breach,  sprang  upon  the 
coveted  structure,  and  with  defiant  shouts,  and  with  lungs  choked  by  smoke, 
and  feet  stained  and  slipping  in  the  blood  of  their  fallen  comrades,  they 
seized  the  long-contested  prize,  passed  it  on  a  run  in  a  sheet  of  flame, 
and  rushed  into  line  on  its  further  side.  The  entire  division,  with 
Crook's  Brigade,  quickly  followed  in  double  time,  and  dividing  right  and 

383 


Address,  Rez'.  J.  Richards  Boyle. 

left,  clambered  up  the  precipitous  heights  on  which  the  enemy  had  been 
posted,  drove  him  from  every  position,  and  in  a  few  minutes  were  firmly 
lodged  on  Lee's  right  flank.  But  it  was  now  i  o'clock.  Rodman's  Division, 
after  a  sharp  engagement,  had  effected  its  crossing  below  at  Snavely's  ford, 
and  promptly  joined  Sturgis  and  prolonged  the  line  to  the  right,  and  all 
of  Burnside's  troops  were  in  position  on  the  first  ridge  beyond  the  creek. 
The  enemy  immediately  retired,  and  the  batteries  of  Durell,  Clarke,  Cook, 
Muhlenburg,  and  part  of  Simmond's  guns  were  crossed  and  posted,  and 
the  battle  was  renewed  under  new  and  inspiring  conditions.  Battalions 
of  the  First,  Second,  Fourth,  Tenth  and  Fourteenth  Regular  Infantry, 
with  three  batteries  under  Randol,  Van  Reed  and  Tidball,  supported  by 
Pleasanton's  Cavalry,  had  crossed  at  the  Boonsboro  bridge  on  Burnside's 
right  from  the  Fifth  Corps,  and  the  line  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  was 
continuous  west  of  the  creek  in  envelopment  of  the  enemy. 

Having  perfected  his  formations  at  3  o'clock,  Burnside  ordered  a  gen 
eral  advance  of  his  whole  line  on  the  heights  and  village  of  Sharpsburg, 
holding  Sturgis  in  reserve.  Filled  with  enthusiasm  and  confident  of  great 
results,  Rodman  and  Willcox  pressed  forward  and  carried  the  second 
ridge,  which  commanded  the  field.  Fairchild's  Brigade,  and  Welch's  Bri 
gade  of  Willcox's  Division,  in  which  were  the  Forty-fifth  and  looth 
Pennsylvania  Regiments,  Lieutenant-Colonel  John  I.  Curtin  and  Colonel 
David  A.  Lackey,  gained  the  outskirts  of  the  town,  with  Christ's  Brigade, 
containing  the  Fiftieth  Pennsylvania,  Major  Edward  Overtoil,  close 
behind  them,  and  it  seemed  as  though  Lee's  right  would  be  driven  through 
the  village  and  doubled  up  in  confusion  upon  his  center.  Victory  was 
clearly  in  sight  and  almost  in  hand.  Lee  was  fought  to  disaster.  If  Burn- 
side's  progress  had  continued,  if  Fitz  John  Porter  had  supported  it,  as  he 
could  and  should  have  done,  and  if  Franklin's  fresh  Sixth  Corps  had 
been  put  in  on  the  right  in  conjunction  with  the  other  corps  that  were  hold 
ing  that  part  of  the  field,  it  cannot  be  rationally  doubted  that  the  Army 
of  Northern  Virginia  would  have  been  captured  or  driven  into  the  Potomac 
river  on  the  afternoon  of  September  17,  1862.  But  this  was  not  done. 
The  Union  commander  was  too  far  away  from  the  field  which  his  vic 
torious  battalions  was  conquering,  to  feel  the  magnificent  opportunity  of 
the  crucial  hour.  The  splendid  and  still  effective  troops  who  had  won  the 
success  of  the  morning  were  not  called  for;  Morrell's  strong  division,  part 
of  Sykes',  and  all  of  Franklin's  Corps  lay  on  their  arms.  The  hour  so 
pregnant  with  tremendous  possibilities  was  unimproved.  For  the  second 
time  that  day  overwhelming  success  slipped  from  our  grasp.  And  just  at 
this  moment,  as  if  in  retribution  for  these  errors,  by  a  stroke  of  good 
fortune,  so  rare  as  to  be  well  nigh  incredible,  Lee's  critical  emergency  was 
relieved.  A.  P.  HILL'S  DIVISION  MARCHED  UPON  THE  FIELD. 
It  had  left  Harper's  Ferry  at  7.30  o'clock  that  morning,  and  arrived  on 
the  battlefield  at  3  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  by  a  road  that  brought  it  in 
directly  on  Burnside's  left,  at  precisely  the  wavering  point.  The  Union 
lines  were  quickly  disposed  to  meet  the  fresh  troops.  Rodman  seized 

384 


Address,  Rev.  J.  Richards  Boyle. 

ground  on  the  left,  but  was  mortally  wounded  while  leading  his  attack. 
Scammon  changed  front  to  rear  to  protect  the  right  flank.  Sturgis  was 
ordered  up,  following  Ferero,  and  held  the  enemy  back  in  his  front  until 
sunset,  fighting  at  short  range,  all  his  regiments  exhibiting  great  bravery. 
But  the  augmented  foe  was  too  strong.  Macintosh's  Confederate  battery 
that  the  Ninth  New  York  had  captured  was  retaken.  Burnside's  Division 
could  not  withstand  the  impact  of  the  enemy's  reinforced  line,  and  about 
dark  they  withdrew  in  good  order  from  their  advanced  positions  to  the 
second  line  of  hills  he  had  taken,  where  they  remained  until  the  iQth. 
His  total  loss  was  twenty-three  hundred  and  forty-nine  men.  The  Forty- 
fifth,  Fiftieth  and  One  Hundredth  Pennsylvania  did  commendable  work  in 
Willcox's  Division,  and  sustained  losses  of  thirty-eight,  fifty-seven  and 
eight  men  respectively.  The  Forty-eighth,  of  Nagle's  Brigade,  lost  sixty 
men,  and  the  Fifty-first  one  hundred  and  twenty. 

Thus  ended  the  hard-fought  and  sanguinary  battle  of  Antietam. 
Nearly  twenty-five  thousand  men  had  fallen  on  both  sides,  and  the  casual 
ties  in  each  army  were  practically  equal.  The  full  fruits  of  the  awful 
contest  were  not  garnered,  but  it  was  the  most  signal  and  important  vic 
tory  that  the  Union  arms  had  to  that  time  achieved.  Its  results  ended 
for  the  time  Lee's  bold  project  of  an  invasion  of  the  North,  and  they 
astonished  and  dismayed  his  generals.  Longstreet  says  of  them :  ''The 
razing  of  tho  walls  of  Jerico  by  encircling  marches  of  priests  and  soldiers, 
at  the  signal  of  long-blown  blasts  of  sacred  horns  and  shouts  of  the  multi 
tude,  was  scarcely  a  greater  miracle  than  the  transformation  of  the  con 
quering  army  of  the  South  into  a  horde  'of  disorganized  fugitives,  before 
an  army  that  two  weeks  earlier  was  flying  to  cover  under  its  homeward 
ramparts."  The  battle  left  Lee's  army  seriously  crippled.  Generals  G.  B. 
Anderson  and  Branch  were  among  the  killed,  and  Generals  Lawton,  Ripley 
and  J.  R.  Jones,  with  others,  suffered  severe  wounds.  Gen.  D.  R.  Jones, 
one  of  Longstreet's  division  commanders,  never  recovered  from  the  strain 
of  the  day,  and  died  soon  after.  One-third  of  Lawton's,  Trimble's  and 
Hay's  Brigades  were  killed  or  wounded,  and  all  of  Colquitt's  field  officers 
were  either  killed  or  disabled.  Jackson,  for  the  only  time  in  his  life,  was 
fought  to  exhaustion  and  inaction,  and  was  not  in  evidence  in  the  battle 
after  its  early  hours.  Lee's  position  in  the  evening  was  hazardous  in  the 
extreme.  He  was  practically  out  of  ammunition  and  was  hemmed  closely 
in  by  his  victorious  foes  with  the  river  at  his  back.  He  expected  and 
dreaded  a  renewal  of  hostilities  on  the  i8th,  and  when  they  were  merci 
fully  withheld  by  the  Union  commander,  he  thankfully  and  quickly  with 
drew  his  shattered  ranks  across  the  Potomac  under  cover  of  the  night. 

The  North  took  new  courage  and  hope  from  the  battle.  Jts  loyal 
people  hailed  Antietam  as  the  turning  point  of  the  war.  It  was  to  them 
as  a  microcosm  of  the  whole  great  conflict.  As  McClellan's  Brigades  and 
Divisions  tightened  themselves  about  Lee's  legions  on  that  eventful  day, 
drawing  their  coils  closer  and  closer,  in  deadly  embrace,  so  the  Northern 
people  beheld  in  their  quickened  faith  the  power  of  the  Republic  surely 

25  385 


Address,  Rev.  J.  Richards  Boyle. 

closing  in  upon  the  Rebellion  for  death.  It  was  the  beginning  of  the  end. 
Gettysburg,  Chattanooga,  the  Wilderness,  Atlanta,  Petersburg,  were  yet  to 
become  necessary,  but  Antietam  was  the  morning  star  of  a  new  and  glori 
ous  day  of  peace  and  National  reconciliation. 

It  seems  but  yesterday  that  these  tragic  scenes  were  here  enacted,  but 
more  than  a  generation  has  passed  since  they  thrilled  the  world  with  their 
history.  The  commanders  of  these  contending  armies  have  gone  from  us. 
Every  corps  commander,  on  either  side,  has  passed  away.  Almost  every 
general  officer  who  took  part  in  this  battle  rests  with  his  comrades  who 
fell  upon  this  field.  I  know  of  but  three  general  officers  on  the  Union  side 
— Howard,  Dana  and  Willcox — who  remain.  The  great  mass  of  the  stal 
wart  young  men  who  filled  these  surging  battle  lines,  are  no  longer  mortal. 
A  remnant  only  of  them,  bowed  and  grey  with  years,  lingers  on  earth. 
A  new  generation,  to  whom  the  great  war  is  but  a  tradition,  and  who  can 
never  realize  its  sacrifices  and  its  horrors,  are  enjoying  the  blessing  which 
the  valor  of  these  heroes  purchased  for  them  and  their  posterity. 

But  time,  which  hurries  men  away,  does  not  dim  the  luster  of  their 
great  deeds,  and  the  work  that  these  men  did  is  the  imperishable  heritage 
of  the  Republic.  It  remains  forever  written  upon  the  flag  and  ingrained 
in  the  National  life.  To  voice  this  great  fact  Pennsylvania  comes  upon 
this  field  to-day.  Thirteen  of  her  commands  who  fought  here  and  else 
where,  with  devotion,  upon  the  battlefields  of  the  Civil  War,  have  had  as 
yet,  no  visible  memorials  to  mark  their  service.  Eleven  of  these  organiza 
tions  were  infantry  regiments,  one  was  a  cavalry  battalion,  and  the  other 
was  a  battery  of  artillery.  The  State  that  sent  them  forth,  by  an  act 
of  Assembly  and  through  her  duly  constituted  commission,  has  caused 
these  belated  memorials  to  be  erected,  and  to-day,  completed  and  beauti 
ful,  they  are  transferred  to  the  United  States  Government,  to  be  safe 
guarded  forever.  It  is  a  fitting  tribute  of  public  respect  to  brave  men  liv 
ing  and  dead,  and  I  profoundly  honor  my  native  and  beloved  Common 
wealth  for  such  a  just  and  worthy  recognition  of  the  service  of  these  her 
sons.  I  congratulate  the  Antietam  Battlefield  Commission  upon  the 
ability  and  care  with  which  they  have  brought  their  responsible  labors 
to  such  a  happy  termination.  I  earnestly  trust  that  every  other  State, 
whose  soldiers  fought  on  this  field  for  the  preservation  of  the  Union,  will 
follow  her  example  in  this  regard,  and  that  very  soon  a  permanent  monu 
ment  will  mark  the  site  of  every  Northern  command  that  shared  the 
glorious  scenes  of  that  crucial  day  of  which  this  is  the  anniversary.  And 
most  of  all,  I  reverently  beseech  Almighty  God  that  these,  and  all  similar 
battle  monuments,  may  teach  to  our  children's  children  lofty  lessons  of 
American  patriotism,  so  long  as  their  chiseled  shafts  and  sculptured 
statues  shall  be  hailed  by  the  morning  sun  and  kissed  by  the  evening  stars. 


386 


General  \V.  \V.  Blackmar,  of  Massachusetts,  Commander-in- 
Chief  of  the  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic,  was  invited  by  Colonel 
Hawley  to  address  the  audience,  and  responded  as  follows : 

Comrades  of  the  Grand  Army,  Citizens,  Friends,  all — This  is  indeed  an 
unexpected  honor,  and  is  not  tendered  to  me  personally,  but  to  the  two 
hundred  and  fifty  thousand  old  comrades  of  the  men  whose  gallant  deeds 
you  have  listened  to  to-day,  still  living  and  members  of  the  Grand  Army  of 
the  Republic.  I  will  not  at  this  time,  and  following  such  a  magnificent 
oration,  attempt  to  say  anything  adequate  to  this  glorious  occasion.  I 
merely,  and  cheerfully  and  proudly,  my  comrades,  bring  you  the  blessing, 
the  loving  Godspeed  of  two  hundred  and  fifty  thousand  old  comrades  of 
the  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic,  whom  I  have  the  honor  to  command. 

Colonel  Hawley  announced  that  the  commission  had  expected 
Governor  Warfield,  of  Maryland,  to  deliver  the  address  of 
welcome,  but  he  was  in  St.  Louis,  and  unable  to  be  present. 

General  Thomas  J.  Stewart,  Adjutant-General  of  the  State  of 
Pennsylvania,  was  called  for  by  the  comrades,  and  responded 
as  follows : 

Mr.  Chairman  and  Comrades :  After  all  that  has  been  said  from  this 
rostrum  this  afternoon  in  the  way  of  oration  and  address,  I  am  sure  that 
nothing  can  be  said  that  will  add  anything  to  the  interest  of  this  occasion. 
I  am  glad  to  be  here,  and  I  would  have  been  very  glad  to  have  responded 
to  the  address  of  welcome,  if  the  distinguished  gentleman  of  Maryland 
had  been  here  to  deliver  it.  I  congratulate  you  all  most  heartily  on  the 
great  success  that  has  attended  the  ceremonies  of  the  day. 

The  audience  united  in  singing  the  hymn  ''America/'  led  by 
the  band  of  the  Carlisle  Indian  Industrial  School. 

Rev.  Joseph  S.  Evans,  former  chaplain  of  the  I24th  Regiment, 
Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  pronounced  the  following  benediction : 

God,  our  Heavenly  Father,  accept  our  thanks  for  this  beautiful  day,  for 
the  blessings  we  have  received,  for  all  the  goodness  that  is  manifest  to  us 
as  we  meet  here;  and  may  the  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  love  of 
God  our  Father,  and  the  fellowship  of  the  Holy  Spirit  go  and  abide  with 
us  evermore.  Amen. 


387 


LETTER  FROM  JOHN  W.  MARSHALL. 

VILLA  ESCOBEDA,  CHIH,   MEXICO, 

February   14,   1905. 
MR.  ROBERT  M.  GREEN,  Philadelphia. 

My  Dear  Comrade:  Your  esteemed  favor  of  January  26th  at  hand,  and 
you  have  my  assurance  of  the  pleasure  it  would  afford  me  to  comply  with 
your  request  were  it  possible  to  do  so  with  anything  of  interest. 

This  retrospective,  made  in  the  twilight  of  a  humble,  uneventful  life, 
calls  forth,  in  this  distant  land,  recollections  of  sweet  and  enduring  social 
and  fraternal  ties,  formed  in  the  years  that  are  gone,  cemented  in  the  pres 
ent  by  bonds  of  an  abiding  affection,  binding  us  in  cherished  memories 
to  the  survivors  of  the  regiment  and  to  that  other  prized  comradeship 
belonging  to  us  through  a  valued  membership  in  George  G.  Meade  Post 
No.  i,  Department  of  Pennsylvania,  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic.  Re 
membrance  of  these  hallowed  ties,  which  had  their  conception  in  trials  of 
march  and  fire  of  battle,  thrill  the  aging  heart  and  quicken  the  lagging 
pulse. 

No  member  of  the  Society  of  the  I24th  could  feel  more  keenly  than 
myself  the  severe  deprivation  of  an  enforced  absence  at  that  great  occasion, 
when  w7as  culminated  the  arduous  labors  and  personal  sacrifice  of  the 
members  of  the  Society's  Monument  Committee. 

What  a  relief  you  must  have  experienced  when  the  hour  announcing  the 
work  completed  was  marked  by  the  lowering  flag,  unveiling  the  magnifi 
cent  shaft,  erected  on  Antietam's  bloody  field  to  the  valor  of  the  regi 
ment.  For  this  work  so  valiantly  and  patiently  performed,  is  due  to  you 
and  your  associates  the  sincere  congratulations  and  to  you  the  honor, 
from  an  appreciative  association,  collectively  and  individually ;  as  one  of  the 
latter  I  feel  this  realization,  no  word  which  tongue  or  pen  can  form,  could 
or  would  so  appropriately  tell  of  your  work  and  sacrifice  for  others,  as 
does  the  illuminating  love  and  loyalty  that  are  indelibly  inscribed  across 
your  heart.  These  will  be  recognized  by  the  descendants  of  our  com 
rades,  as  they  admiringly  view  that  shaft ;  erected  in  love  to  the  patriotism 
and  heroism  of  their  fathers,  resting  in  their  eternal  encampments  in  the 
"green  pastures  and  beside  the  still  waters.'' 

Yours  fraternally  and  affectionately, 

J.  W.  MARSHALL. 


APPENDIX. 

When  funds  were  being  solicited  for  the  erection  of  a  monument  at 
Antietam  to  commemorate  the  services  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty- 
fourth  Regiment,  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  the  chairman  of  the  Monument 
Committee  authorized  the  statement  that  the  name  of  each  contrihutor 
would  be  inserted  in  the  history  of  the  regiment,  if  one  should  be  printed. 

The  committee  in  charge  of  the  publication  takes  pleasure  in  carrying 
out  that  promise,  but  at  the  same  time  deeply  regrets  that  so  many  of  the 
members  of  the  regiment  had  passed  to  the  great  beyond,  without  an  op 
portunity  to  subscribe.  It  is  very  certain  that  many  whose  names  are  not 
mentioned  in  the  following  list  would  have  been  liberal  contributors  had 
they  been  living,  or  if  the  addresses  of  their  descendants  had  been  known 
they  would  have  contributed  for  them. 

In  justice  to  those  contributors  who  could  afford  to  give  only  a  small 
sum,  the  committee  does  not  deem  it  proper  to  state  the  amount  of  the 
individual  subscriptions. 

The  following  pages  contain  not  only  a  list  of  all  contributors  to  the 
monument  fund,  but  also  the  names  of  the  friends  who  went  on  the  pil 
grimage  to  Antietam  to  take  part  in  the  dedication  of  the  monument.  The 
names  of  survivors  of  the  regiment  who  partic:pated  in  the  dedication  will 
be  found  en  a  previous  page  of  the  history. 

CONTRIBUTORS   TO   MONUMENT   FUND 

In  Sums  Ranging  from  25  cents  to  $250. 

George   W.    Ay  res  William   B.    Broomall 

T.   B.   Aitken  Thomas    S.   Burk 

D.   C.  Abraham  Mifflin  W.  Bailey 

J.  W.  Allison  George  L.   Baker 

Joseph  L.  Arment  George    W.    Brown 

George    F.    Bailey  Wayne  M.   Bishop 

Charles    Bonsall  James  D.  Barnitz 

William  C.  Bird  Amos    Bonsall 

Enos  C.   Baker  Jos.   H.   Brensinger 

Jesse    R.    Baker  Win.    H.    Burns 

Edw.    D.    Baker  Wm.    Burns 

Thomas    H.    Brown  Henry  B.  Black 

William  R.  T.   Boggs  J.    Frank    Black 

Harmon  G.  Bond  F.    P.   Barnes 

Col.    Benjamin    Brooke  Mrs.  F.  P.  Barnes 

Hunter   Brooke  Cyrus  J.   Burnett 

William    H.    Beatty  Mrs.  Cyrus  J.   Burnett 

John   S.   Baldwin  C.    W.    Brensinger 

Samuel   Bowker  John  Bittle 

John  H.  Bair  John  Beadle 

Margaret  Burk  C.    W.    Broadbent 

Mrs.    Samuel    Bowker  Wm.    B.    Bunker 

389 


Contributors  to  Monument  Fund. 


Jos.    Beale 
Ralph   Buckley 
Josiah    Burnett 
Frank  Broxver 
Crosby  M.   Black 
Robert   Casey,   Jr. 
Jos.    Cathcart 
John    C.    Campbe.U 
Win.    B.    Craig 
Howard  W.  Craig 
John   T.    Chambers 
James   Cronin 
Geo.   W.   Channell 
Jas.    Cheetham 
Airs.   Jas.   Cheetham 
Wm.   D.   Christman 
Charles   H.   Cheyney 
Samuel  A.   Crozer 
Geo.  S.  Cheyney 
Charles    I.   Cronin 
Geo.    K.    Crozer 
Joel   P.  Conrad 
Airs.  J.  Lewis  Crozer 
John  L.  Carman 
Tchn    P.   Crozer 
Kinggold   Carman 
Hattie   Chavis 
Richard  Cummings 
Lorenzo  F.  Davis 
Anna   Darlington 
John  C.   Dai  ley 
Thomas   Dolan 
S.  E.  Dickey 
H.   H.   Dickey 
Capt.  Wm.  C.  Dickey 
Airs.  Wm.  C.  Dickey 
Jesse    Darlington 
A.  O.  Deshong 
Wm.  G.  Davidson 
Mrs.  Wm.  G.  Davidson 
Elizabeth   B.   Davidson 
James    Davidson 
Harry   O.    Davidson 
Wm.   A.   Dobbins 
Jos.   Dyson 
Mrs.    Sarah   Esrey 


Rev.  Jos.   S.  Evans 
Miss   Sara  C.  Evans 
Anna   S.  Eckfelt 
Wm.    Epright 
David    W.    Eyre 
Electro  Tint  Eng.   Co. 
Franklin   Frame 
Joseph   W.    Fox 
Dr.    Fulton 
Gibbons    Frame 
John   W.   Ferrill 
Lorenzo    D.    Farra 
J.   B.   Farra 
F.    W.   Farra 
Marsh    T.    Farra 
Horace   E.   Farra 
D    O.   L.   Parson 
Wm.    Fowden 
George  Fildes 
Morgan  Gordon 
Frank  D.  Green 
Frank   D.   Green,   Jr. 
Robert  M.  Green,  3d 
Mrs.  John  L.  Grim 
N.    Garrigan 
Bcnj.  T.  Green 
John   Grim 
John  L.  Grim 
Anna  C.  Goentner 
Edw.  B.  Green 
Joel    S.   Greenfield 
Peter   Gamble 

E.  R.    Griffith 
Mary   C.    Griffith 
Mabel  A.-  Griffith 

F.  J.   Griffith 

D.   Clark   Griffith 
Jas.   D.   Green 
Wm.   Gamble 
Robert  M.  Green 
Mrs.   Robert    M.   Green 
Robert  M.   Green,  Jr. 
Louis  G.  Green 
Edgar   L.    Green 
Miss  Helen  L.  Green 
John  Powell  Green 


390 


Contributors  to  Monument  Fund. 


Col.  Jos.   W.   Hawley 
Mrs.  Jos.  W.  Hawley 
Edw.   T.   Harlan 
Jos.   W.   Hall 
Robert    Harper 
Wm.  H.   Hanna 
Brinton  J.  Heyburn 
John  L.  Henderson 
Joel   Hollingsworth 
J.   Ham.   Hollingsworth 
Jas.    M.    Hamilton 
Alfred  Holton 
John    D.    Howard 
Mrs.  John  D.  Howard 
Miss  Mary  E.   Howard 
Wm.  E.   Howard 
Homer    E.    Hoopes 
Mrs.    Homer   E.    Hoopes 
Jas.  Hutchins 
Jas.  C.   Hinkson 
Samuel   F.   Heacock 
Jesse  D.  Holton 
Wm.  R.  Hoover 
John  W.   Holstein 

B.  C.  Hatfield 
Bernard    Hawley 
Frank    Hawkins 
H.  H.  Houston 

Mrs.   Margaret   A.   Houston 

Mrs.   Thomas  J.  Houston 

Benj.   F.   Hirst 

Hon.   Jos.   Hemphill 

Wm.    T.    Innes 

Edw.   Jackson 

Caleb    S.   James 

vS.    S.    Johnson 

T.   R.  Jacquet 

Wm.  Jacquet 

Jos.   C.   Jones 

Wm.  King  &  Co. 

Wm.   Kane 

S.    Crawford    Kugler 

C.  H.  Kitzleman 
David   E.   Kirk 
Thomas  H.  Kay 
Mrs.  Thomas   H.  Kay 


Jas.  Lengel 

Miss  Louisa  B.  Lee 

Harry    Logan 

Mrs.   Harry   Logan 

Jas.  D.  Lengel 

John  A.   Leek 

M.  F.  Laird 

F.  H.  Lamborn 

Capt.    Charles   Lawrence 

J.   Haines  Long 

George  M.  Lewis 

Charles  Levis 

Miss  Mary   Miller 

Miss  Anna   M.   Miller 

I.    Walton    Martin 

Mrs.   I.   Walton  Martin 

Jos.  W.  Martin 

Wm.   L.   Martin 

C.  J.  J.   Murray 

Jonas   Melloa 

Geo.  D.  Miller 

Mrs.   Geo.   D.   Miller 

W.    S.    Miller 

W.   Munser 

Townsend  E.  Mercer 

Evan  A.  Mercer 

Geo.    W.    Mercer 

Wm.    Mercer 

John  A.   Morrow 

Wm.  Major 

John  Major 

Jos.    R.    Martin 

Wm.   Mendenhall 

T.    S.    Montgomery 

John   Montgomery 

Jos.   E.   Morris 

Charles   Moore 

John  W.  Marshall 

T.    W.    Marshall 

Rev.  John  Miller 

Lewis   W.   Moore 

Mrs.  Lewis  W.  Moore 

Miss    Mary    Eleanore   Moore 

Wm.    J.    McClure 

Mr.   McClary 

Geo.    B.   McCormick 


391 


Contributors  to  Monument  Fund. 


John  R.  McFadden 

Jas.    New  some 

Austin  Obdyke 

Gco.   L.   Osbornc 

Dr.   J.   L.    Pyle 

Frazer  S.  Patterson 

Oliver  R.  Patterson 

Casner  Pike 

Wm.    H.    Pierson 

Capt.  Jos.  Pratt 

Mrs.  Mary  J.   Pratt 

Jos.   Pratt,  Jr. 

Nath.    Pratt 

Miss    Helen    Pratt 

John   Pugh 

Airs.    John    Pugh 

Townsend     Pugh 

Jos.    T.    Pierce 

Mrs.  A.  S.  Pierce 

Wm.   W.   Potts 

Chand.    Pennington 

Jas.    Pyatt 

Nathan    Pechin 

Rev.  J.  C.   Pierce 

Owen  Z.  Pyle 

S.    Frank    Fennel  1 

Sarah    E.    Perkins 

John   G.   Powell 

Wm.    M.    Powell 

Penn  Steel  Casting  Co. 

Capt.   Charles   W.   Roberts 

Mrs.  Mary  E.  Roberts 

Miss  Josephine  Roberts 

Ceo.    W.    Roberts 

Abraham  Rambo 

Samuel    Ritter 

Mahlon    Rossiter 

David  H.  Ross 

Mrs.  W.   M.  Sharpless 

B.  Frank  Sharp 

Henry  J.  Stager 

George  J.    Stiteler 

Jos.  M.   Showalter 

Tnhn    Smith 


Albert   Smith 

Mrs.   S.  M.  Seter 

David  H.  Stiteler 

Hon.    Wm.    G.    Sproul 

Thomas  T.  Smith 

Stephen   T.    Smith 

Edw.  D.   Sipler 

Francis  Tucker 

Samuel    J.    Thompson 

Justice  M.  Thompson 

Mrs.  Justice   M.   Thompson 

Wm.  Trainer,  Jr. 

Miss  Lillian  E.   Titman 

Geo.   M.  Thomson 

Geo.    W.    Tyson 

Frank  R.   Tobey 

Wm.    E.    Trainer 

Elwood  Thomas 

J.    Irwin   Taylor 

B.  Frank  Thomas 
R.    Newton   Thomas 
John   Thompson 

Wm.    B.    Van    Amringe 
W.    A.    Valentine 
Wm.   J.    Wright 
M.    Emily    Walker 
Henry  C.   Warburton 
Mrs.   Henry  C.  Warburton 
Mrs.  Hannah  Warburton 
Miss    Ellen    Warburton 
Jas.    Willis 

C.  R.  Williamson 
Mrs.  M.  Williamson 

Miss    Mary    E.    Williamson 
David   S.   Wilkinson 
Wm.    Pusey   West 
Wm.   Wright,  Jr. 
Charles    Worrall 
John  W.  Walker 
Jacob   H.  Way 
Mrs.  Rachel  P.  Way 
Walker  Y.  Wells 
H.   W.   Zeblev 


392 


President  of  the  Van  Amringe  Co. 

Builders  of  the  Thirteen  Monuments  Dedicated  at  Antietam. 
September  17,   1904. 


OF  THt 

UNIVERSITY 


EXCURSIONISTS   TO   ANTIETAM. 

The  pilgrimage  to  Antietam  to  dedicate  the  monument  was  participated 
in  by  the  following  named  persons,  in  addition  to  84  veterans  of  the  regi 
ment,  whose  names  are  given  on  other  pages  of  the  history. 


Mrs.  Geo.  W.  Ay  res 

F.   H.    Barnes 

Mrs.   F.  H.   Barnes 

Henry  B.  Black 

Mrs.  Henry  B.   Black 

Miss  Annie  E.   Black 

Miss  Margaret  C.   Black 

Airs.  J.  Frank  Black 

Amos   Bonsall 

Mrs.   Charles   Bonsall 

Mrs.  Wm.  H.  Burns 

Miss  Mary  E.  Burns 

Airs.  Mifflin  W.  Bailey 

Miss   Estelle   Bailey 

Miss  Eveline  Bailey 

Wm.   L.   Bosbyshell 

James  R.  Bosbyshell 

Mrs.    Harmon  G.   Bond 

Miss   Mabel   Bond 

Benson  W.  Conrad 

Charles  Cheyney 

George   S.  Cheyney 

Mrs.  George  S.  Cheyney 

Mrs.  N.  Corson 

James  Cronin 

Mrs.  Bernard  LeRoy  Coder 

James  Cunningham 

Mrs.   Wm.   C.  Dickey 

Dr.  Jos.  S.  Evans 

Miss  Anna  E.  Eckfeldt 

Mrs.  Franklin  Frame 

Wm.  N.  Fleming 

James  Fryer 

Mrs.  James  Fryer 

Mrs.  John  L.  Grim 

Edgar  L.   Green 

Mrs.  Robert  M.  Green 

Miss  Helen  L.  Green 

Robert  M.  Green,  Jr. 


Wm.  L.  Gelston 

Airs.  Wm.  L.  Gelston 

James  D.  Green 

Aliss  Alary  J.  Green 

Airs.   Peter  Gamble 

John  Grim 

Airs.  John  D.  Howard 

Aliss   Mary   Howard 

Airs.  Jos.  W.  Hawley 

James   AI.    Hamilton 

Mrs.  James  AI.  Hamilton 

Thomas  V.   Hamilton 

Norman  A.  Hamilton 

Airs.    Wm.    Henry 

Mrs.  Samuel  Heacock 

Miss   Harriet  Heacock 

J.    Ham.   Hollingsworth 

John  C.  Humphries 

A.  B.  Hammond 

P.  A.  Hammond 

F.  S.  Hammond 

Rev.  Samuel  A.  Holman 

George  C.   Hill 

Aliss   Holman 

Airs.   Wm.   T.   Innes 

Joseph  C.  Jones 

Aliss  Annie  AI.  Jones 

Mrs.  Caleb  S.  James 

George  Klosterman 

Airs.  David  E.  Kirk 

Capt.  Charles  Lawrence 

Airs.   Charles   Lawrence 

Charles  E.  Levis 

Airs.  Geo.  R.  Alaxton 

James  Alorgan  * 

Mrs.  I.  Walton  Alartin 

Airs.  Geo.  D.  Aliller 

Geo.  B.  AlcCormick 

John  Alontgomery 


395 


Excursionists  to  An  tie  tain. 

Philip  H.  Meyer 
Mrs.  Geo.  L.  Osborne 
Samuel    D.    Osborne 
Mrs.  John  Pugh 
Nathaniel    Pratt 
Airs.  John  G.   Powell 
Airs.   Alethea   S.   Pierce 
Airs.  S.  Frank  Pennell 
Dr.  J.  L.  Pyle 
Win.   Al.   Powell 
Mrs.  David  Quinn 
Airs.  Rile 
Wm.  Randall 
Benj.  T.  Rosey 
Airs.  Benj.  T.  Rosey 
Airs.  Chas.  W.  Roberts 
Aliss  Josephine  Roberts 
George   W.   Roberts 
Airs.   S.  J.  Rogers 
Wm.   S.    Stillwell 
Airs.  B.  H.  Sweeney 


H.  H.  Scott 

Capt.  J.  H.  R.  Storey 

Airs.  J.  H.  R.  Storey 

Charles    Stammely 

Airs.  Charles  Stammely 

Aliss  Helen  Showalter 

Airs.  B.   F.  Sharp 

Miss   Bessie  Sharp 

Airs.  Geo.  W.  Tyson 

Justice   M.  Thompson 

Mrs.  Justice  AI.  Thompson 

Aliss  Lillian  E.  Titman 

Wm.   B.  Van  Amringc 

Robert  C.  Van  Amringe 

Airs.  Wm.  B.  Van  Amringe 

Wm.  J.  Wright 

Airs.  Charles  W.  Watkins 

Warren  Wilkinson 

Airs.  Henry  C.  Warburton 

Aliss  Helen  Warburton 


396 


PIERRE  FKITU. 
Sculptor  of  Statue  on   I24th  Monument. 


,        •   . , 


Photo  by  Tipton. 


McKiNLEY  MONUMENT, 
ANTIETAM,   MD. 


REMINISCENCE  OF  HON.  THOS.  V.  COOPER. 

The  following  letter  was  received  by  the  Historian  from  the  Hon. 
Thomas  V.  Cooper,  proprietor  of  The  Delaware  County  American,  at 
Media,  Pa.,  and  from  the  files  of  which  paper  much  of  the  war  corres 
pondence  published  in  this  history  was  copied.  It  was  Senator  Cooper  who 
introduced  the  bill  in  the  Pennsylvania  State  Legislature  to  appropriate 
$32,500  for  the  erection  of  thirteen  monuments  on  the  battlefield  of 
Antietam  ;  that  of  the  I24th  was  included  in  the  number,  and  $2,500  of 
the  fund  was  used  in  the  erection  of  their  monument : 

MEDIA,  PA.,  March  i6th,  1907. 
MY  DKAK  MR.  GREEN: 

You  have  asked  me  to  relate  an  incident  connected  with  the  I24th 
Regiment,  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  at  the  battle  of  Chancellorsville. 
There,  as  throughout  the  entire  war,  1  was  a  private  in  Company  C  of 
the  Twenty-sixth  Regiment,  Pennsylvania  Volunteers.  This  regiment 
was  part  of  the  First  Brigade,  Second  Division,  Third  Army  Corps. 

After  the  Eleventh  Corps  broke  at  Chancellorsville,  we  were  ordered 
to  take  its  place.  General  Berry  then  commanding  our  division,  which 
was  deployed  to  the  right  of  the  plank  road  in  front  of  Confederate 
General  Jackson's  Corps,  in  the  Wilderness.  General  Berry  soon  fell 
after  commanding  our  brigade  to  seize  and  lay  down  upon  the  cart  road. 
Before  night  Company  C,  of  the  Twenty-sixth,  was  ordered  upon  picket 
duty,  and,  as  usual,  at  that  point  of  the  war,  we  made  a  bargain  with  the 
Rebel  pickets  not  to  fire  except  upon  an  advance.  Loren/o  Hitters  (  who 
is  now  an  inspector  of  the  Philadelphia  Custom  House)  and  myself  were 
upon  the  same  picket  post  close  to  a  deep  run,  or  washout.  At  dusk  there 
were  shots  fired  by  the  Rebel  pickets  just  opposite  to  us,  and  we  asked 
why  the  bargain  was  broken.  They  replied  they  were  not  firing  at  us, 
but  that  General  Stonewall  Jackson  had  been  shot.  We  passed  the  word 
back  to  Colonel  Tilghman,  commanding  the  Twenty-sixth,  and  he  sent 
it  along  the  line  before  he  himself  was  badly  wounded. 

Bitters  and  1  remained  at  our  post  and  I  was  captured  at  daylight.  I 
soon  escaped  by  reason  of  the  leaves  nearby  having  ta^en  fire.  Ser 
geant  Kane,  of  Company  K,  was  wounded  and  1  helped  him  into  the 
washout  and  we  followed  it  to  the  Rappahannock  River.  Under  cover  of 
the  smoke  this  was  not  difficult,  as  General  Jackson's  corps  were  demor 
alized  by  the  fire  from  Hooker's  forty  guns.  Upon  reaching  the  river, 
Sergeant  Kane  and  I  reported  to  Dr.  Sims  at  Third  Corps  Hospital.  I, 
not  being  wounded,  was  next  day  given  a  pass  back  to  my  regiment.  In 
attempting  to  reach  it,  I  got  lost,  and  while  between  the  Union  and  Con 
federate  lines  I  found  myself  a  target  for  a  sharpshooter.  Realizing  the 
direction  from  which  the  shots  were  coming,  1  ran  the  other  way  ( 1  was 
always  good  on  a  run),  and  I  soon  reached  the  breastworks  of  the  I24th 
Pennsylvania.  They  hauled  me  over.  After  recovering  from  my  ex 
perience  in  the  run — that  run  to  the  river  and  my  run  from  the  shots  of  the 
sharpshooter — I  found  my  regiment,  and  at  the  age  of  seventy-two  still 
live  to  tell  the  story,  but  I  am  very  sure  that  I  could  not  now  run  as  I  run 
on  that  day  in  the  run  that  run  to  the  river. 


To  Mr.  Robert  M.  Green, 

Philadelp 


LD  21-100m-6,'56 
(B9311slO)476 


University  of  California 
Berkeley 


